Israeli ambassador greeted by protests at Soas talk

The "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" chant goes up.

Which is a call for Israel's destruction in its entirety. pic.twitter.com/AObNWfv1Y1

— The Jewish Chronicle (@JewishChron) April 27, 2017

Some 50 pro-Israeli campaigners were also present to support the ambassador, who had been invited to the campus by the Soas Jewish Society to talk on Middle East peace.

The protests were largely peaceful with Israeli and Palestinian supporters allowed to mix freely in the university's main courtyard, under the watchful eyes of around 20 police officers.

At one point a large Israeli flag was snatched by Palestinian demontrators and defaced to make it appear as if it was covered with blood.

At @SOAS tonight. We came, we saw, we...layed tefillin! pic.twitter.com/QsbIIXtsPX

— SussexFriendsIsrael (@SussexFriends) April 27, 2017

Earlier this week, more than 150 academics wrote to Baroness Amos, the director of Soas, urging her not to let Mr Regev’s talk go ahead.

It was suggested his presence on campus would cause "tensions".

A group calling itself “Apartheid off Campus” organised what it described as “an evening of solidarity and celebration with music, speeches and a rally”. Over 450 people  registered their intention to attend.

A counter-rally, called “Censorship off Campus” was also organised.