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Israel Launches ‘Operation Blue Shield’ to Ensure Trump’s Security during Visit | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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US President Donald Trump. (AFP)


Ramallah -Israel has launched “Operation Blue Shield” to guarantee the security of US President Donald Trump during his upcoming visit to Jerusalem and Bethlehem on Monday and Tuesday.

The Blue Shield is one of the largest security operations prepared for a visiting president.

Israeli security apparatuses have officially launched the operation that involves thousands of members of the police, intelligence and internal security forces, as well as the air force.

In addition to extensive Israeli security preparations, Trump’s US team is even outfitting his room at the King David Hotel with special glass that is resistant to RPGs and other rockets.

Workers are preparing for Sunday when the US delegation will transform the hotel into a virtual fortress ahead of the president’s arrival the following day.

The hotel’s 233 rooms will be occupied not only by Trump and his family, but also the US Secret Service, Army Rangers, Navy SEALs and Israeli security officials.

Every piece of food for the president will be certified as safe, with a tester overseen by Israeli and US security officials perusing every meal destined for Trump and his family.

The hotel is only part of the plan to protect the president.

Israel’s operation will involve undercover police, special patrols, motorcycle officers, sniffer dogs and helicopters.

More than 10,000 police officers will be tasked with securing his trip throughout Jerusalem.

Prior to the president’s arrival, US Secret Service personnel and Israeli security forces conducted joint drills, including one focused on securing Trump and his entourage’s convoy at the various sites he is expected to visit.

Throughout the course of the visit, heavy traffic is expected throughout Jerusalem, including on the main routes leading to the city.

Starting at noon on Monday for several hours, a great number of roads in the city will be closed and again on Tuesday from 8:30 am.

Authorities have recommended that the public use public transit and employ the application Waze, which will be continually updated with all road closures.

Throughout Trump’s visit, it will be absolutely forbidden to employ all aircraft, including drones in the airspace over Jerusalem. The police said they would try to minimize the disruptions to the public.