Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu kept waiting on Downing Street doorstep for talks with Theresa May

Israel’s Prime Minister was kept waiting on the steps of 10 Downing Street yesterday as he arrived for crunch talks with Theresa May.

Protests and heavy security surrounded Benjamin Netanyahu’s first summit with the British PM - where he demanded “Iran’s aggression does not go unanswered.”

But there were awkward scenes when he was left standing alone at the famous black door for around 20 seconds.

He could be seen apparently rocking on the balls of his feet, his hands clasped behind his back, before he was eventually let in.

The door cannot be opened from the outside.

Mr Netanyahu did not ring the bell, but didn’t have to, as behind the door is a policeman watching an array of CCTV monitors that cover the street.

Dozens of police vans lined up around Whitehall today as proPalestinian protesters took to the street a few yards away.

Ms May was due to raise the issue of illegal settlements with Israel’s leader in a bid for a “lasting two-state solution.”

But before the formal talks could begin, he lectured Ms May publicly on the need to stand up to Iranian aggression.

On the steps of No 10 moments after his awkward wait, Mr Netanyahu said “responsible” countries should follow Donald Trump in imposing fresh sanctions against Iran after it testfired a ballistic missile.

He took the unusual step of using the so-called “warm words” in front of the world’s media, telling Ms May: “We face challenges, that’s very clear, from militant Islam and especially from Iran.

“Iran seeks to annihilate Israel, it seeks to conquer the Middle East, it threatens Europe, it threatens the West, it threatens the world.

“And it offers provocation after provocation.

“That’s why I welcome (US) President Trump’s assistance of new sanctions against Iran. I think other nations should follow suit, certainly responsible nations.

“And I’d like to talk to you about how we can ensure that Iran’s aggression does not go unanswered.”

Mrs May was under pressure to raise the issue of Israeli settlement building on occupied Palestinian land, something Britain has long opposed.

She did not mention the issue in her opening remarks but reiterated Britain’s call for a two-state solution.