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Police finalize security for Pence visit, no intelligence warnings of terror

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While special precautions have been taken to secure Pence’s visit to Israel, no intelligence has been received of any specific terror threat. 

By: Margot Dudkevitch, World Israel News

Police say they have completed security preparations for the arrival of US Vice President Mike Pence, who is due to land in Israel Sunday evening for a two-day visit. The national operation dubbed “Blue Shield 2” will see thousands of security officials and Border Police deployed in Jerusalem on roads and highways to be used by Pence and his convoy during his visit to the Jewish state.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said the preparations that began over a month ago are in full coordination with the American security service and Israel’s Shin Bet. This includes a wide range of police, including undercover personnel, motorcycle units and anti-terror units.

Rosenfeld emphasized that while special precautions have been taken to secure Pence’s visit to Israel, no intelligence has been received of any specific terror threat. He noted that police are prepared to deal with any pro- or anti-American demonstrations that may take place during the vice president’s visit.

On Monday, Pence will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his office in Jerusalem and in the afternoon is scheduled to address Israeli parliamentarians at the Knesset. Knesset members of the Arab Joint List have already announced their plan to boycott the vice president’s speech.

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Netanyahu: Boycott of Pence speech a ‘disgrace’

“I view it as a disgrace that Members of Knessets intend to boycott this important visit to the Knesset and are even seeking to disrupt it. We will all be there and will show Vice President Pence the great respect that he is due,” Netanyahu stated at the weekly cabinet meeting Sunday morning.

On Monday evening Pence will attend a gala dinner hosted by Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu. On Tuesday, he is scheduled to meet with President Reuven Rivlin and will later visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. He will then participate in a private ceremony at the Western Wall before his departure.

Police noted that during Pence’s visit, the public will be updated via social media and radio and television broadcasts concerning traffic restrictions and road closures.