Jerusalem went on high alert ahead of the visit by President Bush and other foreign dignitaries.
Israeli police deployed 8,000 personnel in the capital Tuesday and began redirecting traffic away from the city center as part of a “C” security alert, one level below that declared for emergency situations.
The measures are in preparation for the international “Facing Tomorrow” conference, which is being held in Jerusalem between Tuesday and Thursday in honor of Israel’s 60th Independence Day and under the auspices of President Shimon Peres.
President Bush, the most distinguished guest, arrives on Wednesday. Also attending will be dozens of other heads of state, entertainment figures and leaders in the fields of communications and technology.
