Israel Police on Sunday opened operations at the situation room they will be
running during US President Barack Obama’s three-day visit this week.
The
situation room is housed at National Police Headquarters in Jerusalem, and will
include representatives of the national police and traffic police, as well as
receptionists on call to take queries from the public about road closures and
other issues associated with the presidential visit. The receptionists will
answer calls around the clock beginning on Sunday, at
1-700-553-100.
Obama is due to arrive on Wednesday at Ben-Gurion Airport
and will fly from there to Jerusalem by way of his own helicopter. Passengers
should still expect gridlock on Highway 1 and within Jerusalem, as the
president’s motorcade, carrying his entourage of hundreds – as well as a ring of
Israeli security personnel – makes its way to Jerusalem and crosses the
capital.
On the roads, Obama will travel within one of two of his
armored, blast-proof limousines, nicknamed “the Beast,” and be flanked by US
Secret Service personnel and officers from the Shin Bet (Israel Security
Agency).
Around 5,000 Israeli police officers will take part in securing
each day of the visit.
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