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COPS ON TERROR ALERT

Heavily armed anti-terror cops on patrol outside Downing Street as Theresa May meets Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu

Heavily armed police wearing riot gear were stationed outside - and cops were seen sweeping the area before the politicians emerged for photographs

DOWNING Street was swarming with armed anti-terror cops this morning as Theresa May welcomed the Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in for talks.

Heavily armed police wearing riot gear were stationed outside - and cops were seen sweeping the area before the politicians emerged for photographs.

 Armed cops outside Downing Street today
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Armed cops outside Downing Street todayCredit: London News Pictures
 Police were ready to go at the earliest hint of trouble
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Police were ready to go at the earliest hint of troubleCredit: London News Pictures
 Protesters were seen outside No 10 too - as police got ready for the politician's visit
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Protesters were seen outside No 10 too - as police got ready for the politician's visitCredit: London News Pictures

Demonstrators were also seen outside No 10 today - some in favour and some against Mr Netanyahu and his stance towards Palestine.

The Israeli PM has sparked controversy over its building of thousands of settlements in occupied Palestinian territory. Israel disputes that they are illegal.

The UK backed a United Nations Resolution at the end of last year denouncing the plans as a "flagrant violation"; of international law.

 A pro-Israel protester holds up a flag as the politicians hold talks in Downing Street
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A pro-Israel protester holds up a flag as the politicians hold talks in Downing StreetCredit: Reuters
 Demonstrators gathered on Whitehall outside No 10
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Demonstrators gathered on Whitehall outside No 10Credit: Reuters

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has called on Mrs May to make it clear that the UK won't accept the move.

Mrs May is expected to tell Mr Netanyahu that the continued settlement activity undermines trust in the region.

Her spokeswoman told reporters this morning: " would expect the Middle East peace process to come up, and in that context the PM to reiterate our long-standing position ... that we see the continued increase in settlement activity undermining trust."

She added: "But also (to put forward) the very clear position that we have taken of needing to pursue a twin-track approach, recognising the right of Israel to live safe from terrorism."

 Cops do a final sweet of Downing Street before the PM's arrival
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Cops do a final sweet of Downing Street before the PM's arrivalCredit: Getty Images
 Benjamin Netanyahu was welcomed by Theresa May today
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Benjamin Netanyahu was welcomed by Theresa May todayCredit: AP:Associated Press
 He wants to talk about Iran's recent missile tests - not the West Bank
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He wants to talk about Iran's recent missile tests - not the West BankCredit: Getty Images
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