(VIDEOS/PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

Israel and the Defense Minister in particular, are finalizing preparations for next week’s first visit of President Donald Trump, who will be landing on 26 Iyar for his first international visit since assuming his post. The president will have met first with Arab leaders in Saudi Arabia, where leaders of Israel’s neighboring nations will convene with Mr. Trump. While in Israel, the president will also travel to Ramallah to meet with PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen).

Hundreds of journalists will be accompanying the presidential delegation and the Defense Ministry is preparing the 80-meter red carpet at Ben-Gurion International Airport along with hundreds of flags. The Operations Division of the Defense Ministry is responsible for setting up for the high-level visit at the airport. Teams have landed during the week to work with Israeli security commanders as they work out jurisdiction and logistical cooperation. Israel Police and other agencies have assigned over a combined 10,000 security personnel to work with the US Secret Service to ensure the trip passes without incident.

In one photo, we see and ambulance and officials at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital as they study the emergency and trauma areas, planning out exactly what will occur if there is a need to bring the president during his visit. The Jerusalem – Tel Aviv Highway will be closed for periods of time during the visit, and Israel’s air space will shut down as Air Force One arrives from Saudi Arabia. From the airport, Mr. Trump will be flown by chopper to the King David Hotel, as clearly, there will be many disruptions in day-to-day life to accommodate the visit.

Jerusalemites are bracing for a difficult few days, well-aware such a high-level visit comes with many disruptions in traffic, road closures and of course interruptions in bus and light rail service.

During his visit, President Trump will be visiting Knesset, Yad Vashem, Mt. Herzl Military Cemetery, the Kosel and more.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)