Paul McCartney's terrorist defiance

Sep 15, 2008, 9:40 GMT

Sir Paul McCartney is going ahead with his first performance in Israel despite receiving death threats from hard-line Muslim fanatics.

The musical legend is due to perform at the Friendship First concert, which marks Israel's 60th anniversary, later this month, and will be guarded by armed secret agents costing £1 million after suicide bombers threatened to attack his show.

A source said: "Anyone who tries anything will be meeting Allah sooner than they thought."

Paul, 66, said he was "shocked" after hearing self-styled hate preacher Omar Bakri had deemed him an "enemy" of all Muslims for his decision to perform in the Jewish country.

Speaking on Israeli TV, the former Beatle said: "I was approached by different political bodies who asked me not to come here. I refused. I do what I think and I have many friends who support Israel."

Israeli security experts have told the musician he must increase his security for the foreseeable future.

Speaking about Paul's decision to play at the concert, Bakri, who now lives in Lebanon after fleeing the UK in 2005 and is unable to return after being forbidden by British authorities, said: "Our enemy's friend is our enemy. We have what we call 'sacrifice' operatives who will not stand by while he joins in a celebration of their oppressions.

"If he values his life Mr. McCartney must not come to Israel."

Paul's spokesman refused to comment on the death threats, only saying: "Paul's Friendship First concert is about his music. Paul's is a message of peace."