Sir Paul McCartney will be protected by a 5000-strong security team as he prepares to play his first concert in Israel later.

The protection, described by one source as “unlike anything we’ve seen”, follows threats to the former Beatles safety from Islamist militants.

Officers from Britain's MI6 are reported to be working in collaboration with members of Israel’s elite Mossad intelligence organisation to help ensure his safety.

“Only security and a handful of Macca’s entourage will be near him. Everything is tailored to ensure he is 100 per cent safe,” a source told the Daily Mirror newspaper.

Earlier this month, one Islamic militant said Sir Paul had become the “enemy of every Muslim” by agreeing to the concert.

Omar Bakri, who now resides in Lebanon after being exiled from the UK in 2005, said the former Beatle would have “sacrifice operatives” waiting for him.

But Sir Paul has refused to bow to any threats, saying he does what he thinks and has many “friends who support Israel.”

After arriving yesterday, Sir Paul paid a visit to the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem with his girlfriend Nancy Shevell.

The Beatles were banned by Israel in 1965 because the country's government feared that their music would corrupt young citizens.

But the ban was lifted this year by Israel's ambassador to the UK, who called it a “misunderstanding”.

(by Jason Gregory)