Police preparing multiple routes for Schalit's return

Although Schalit is expected to be flown to Tel Nof IAF base, Israel Police planning contingency land routes; no roads to be closed.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
Police set up roadblock [file] 311 (photo credit: YAAKOV LAPPIN)
Police set up roadblock [file] 311
(photo credit: YAAKOV LAPPIN)
Gilad Schalit is expected to be airlifted from the Egyptian- Israeli border to the Tel Nof Air Force Base in central Israel on Tuesday, but the Israel Police have set up contingency plans to transport him by land as well, The Jerusalem Post has learned.
“This is a sensitive and complicated operation,” police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told the Post, summing up three days of police planning ahead of Tuesday.RELATED:Hearing on Schalit deal petition ends; no decision issued IDF: Ketziot Prison, Egypt crossings closed military zones
“Police are ready to implement contingency plans if necessary, including plans to transport [Schalit] by ground through multiple routes,” he said.
Rosenfeld stressed that the plans were in places as a precaution “in case there are any changes.”
“No roads will be blocked off, though we will cordon off a section around the front of the Schalit’s home [in Mitzpe Hila], so that he can come home in a normal and quiet way,” Rosenfeld added.
The cordoning off of the area was ordered by Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharnovitch, who stressed to police “the importance of safeguarding the family’s privacy.”
Hundreds of police from every district will secure the safe passage of of Palestinian security prisoners, who will travel by bus to release points.
“We will be escorting them together with the IDF,” Rosenfeld said. “We will also accompany released female prisoners to their homes to ensure that the plan proceeds on schedule.”
Click for full JPost coverage of Gilad Schalit
Click for full JPost coverage of Gilad Schalit