THE Manchester offices of a finance company which insures an Israeli arms manufacturer were covered in red paint and daubed with the words “Gaza” and “Drop Elbit” today.

Allianz Trade provides insurance for Elbit Systems, whose five factories in Britain manufacture military drones and pilotless warplanes used by the Israeli military.

Allianz’s offices in Fountain Street were attacked by direct-action group Palestine Action, which is targeting Elbit and companies that help it operate in Britain.