Hundreds of security guards and staff, six helicopters, dozens of journalists, an 80-vehicle convoy of about, multiple cargo planes, and one of the most complex logistical operations Israel has seen in years – preparations in Israel for US President Joe Biden's visit next week have kicked into high gear.
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Biden will visit Israel and the Palestinian Authority between July 13 and 15, before taking off to Saudi Arabia for the rest of his Middle East tour.
Logistical preparations for any presidential visit are complex, but it is exponentially so in the case of the American president, who is the most high-profile international leader in the world – with security measures to match.
The White House's 500-person advance team landed in Israel last week to coordinate the details of the visit on the ground.
A command and control center will be set up at every site Biden is expected to visit, comprising officials from the US, Foreign Ministry, the Prime Minister's Office, the Shin Bet security agency and the Israel Police, who will deal with any issue that could arise.
The police plan to block major highways on Wednesday to ensure the presidential convoy can speed from Ben Gurion International Airport to Jerusalem. Biden will use his own armored convoy while in Israel, which includes six Black Hawk helicopters, 80 vehicles, decoy limousines and, of course, the presidential Cadillac.
Dubbed "The Beast," the president's ride is one of the most daunting vehicles in the world, and is, essentially, a highly advanced tank made to look like a limo.
The visit's itinerary has not been fully confirmed at this time, but according to available details, Air Force One will touch down in Israel on Wednesday afternoon. Biden will be received by President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Yair Lapid with a state ceremony, and then continue to a visit at the Palmachim Airbase in central Israel.
On base, he will be presented with the Iron Dome air defense system and its "cousin" – Iron Beam – a laser-guided air defense system designed to destroy short-range rockets, artillery, and mortar shells.
The American president will then head to Jerusalem. Biden and his entourage will stay at the King David Hotel, which the White House has effectively taken over.
Biden may attend another event later on Wednesday evening, which has yet to be confirmed.
Thursday morning will see the American president visit the Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Center. Biden will then set out for the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Jerusalem where he will meet with Lapid and later head a video conference with Lapid, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan.
Later in the afternoon, Biden is scheduled to visit the President's Residence for a meeting with Herzog, followed by a meeting with US athletes already in Israel for the Maccabiah Games.
Dubbed the "Jewish Olympics," the games are set to take place from July 12-26.
Friday morning will see Biden visit the Augusta Victoria Compound, a church-hospital complex on the northern side of Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, which is a longtime beneficiary of US aid.
Later on Friday, Biden will travel to the West Bank city of Bethlehem where he will meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. From there, he will arrive at Ben Gurion airport where a state ceremony will conclude the presidential visit.
The American president will then take off for Saudi Arabia on what will be the first official direct flight from Tel Aviv to Jeddah.
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