Exaggerated claims of confrontation

Benjamin Netanyahu and David Cameron met today for important talks about the relationship between Israel and the UK. The British Prime Minister is reported to have said that the UK "remains staunch" in its "defence of Israel`s right to exist and to defend itself".

Pro-Palestinian campaigners have denounced Mr Netanyahu`s visit, and some reporters have claimed that there were angry confrontations outside Downing Street on Wednesday between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrators.

However, it seems that there may be a significant element of exaggeration in these reports. One tweet about clashes was retweeted 196 times – giving the illusion of lots of reports of clashes. But a different perspective emerged from amongst the demonstrators, stating that the anger was mostly evident amongst one group.

The pro-Israel group was generally in good humour, with singing and laughter, whilst a strong police presence seemed to be necessary to restrain the pro-Palestinian group.