Around 1,500 people gathered in central London on Sunday for the UK's largest ever pro-Israel conference.

We Believe in Israel drew people looking to counter the surge in anti-Israel activism that followed last summer's Operation Protective Edge in Gaza.

Luke Akehurst, director of the day-long event, said: "This was a community response to all the delegitimisation of Israel and the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement after the conflict last summer.

"We need to step up our campaigning against movements like the Palestine Solidarity Campaign."

He added: "We hope it will encourage people to be more active, to write to their MPS; we hope it has achieved a sense of unity and raise their morale; we hope it will show them that they are not isolated in their support for Israel."

The Israeli election and the general election in the UK were key themes. Representatives from the major British parties united in support of Israel, including Conservative Chief Whip Michael Gove and Labour shadow minister Michael Dugher .

Both declared that they were Zionists - something, Mr Gove noted, that was "not an easy thing to say" in the current climate.

Chief Rabbi Mirvis told participants: "We need to let the world know that it is no sin to support Israel."

In a rousing address, Israeli Ambassador Daniel Taub said opponents of Israel formed "a feeble coalition that only stands against things, never for".

The event included sessions on combating the boycott, advancing Israel's case on social media and the role of grassroots groups.

The first We Believe in Israel conference took place in 2011 and attracted 1,100 people.

Mr Akehurst said: "We cannot have the conference annually because of the cost, but I hope the next one is sooner than four years."