http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_opinion.php?id=3761
On Monday, the 33rd Knesset approved the government that was finally forged by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Some politicians were rejoicing, others seething with resentment. But all were considering the arrangements for and implications of U.S. President Barack Obama’s imminent arrival in Jerusalem on Wednesday.
The King David Hotel has been brimming with activity, getting dozens of suites ready for the “royal” entourage; the 15,000-strong police detail is gearing up to guard against security breaches; streets and highways are being cleared of cars and closed off; the foreign press is descending en masse from all corners of the globe and provided space in which to set up their computers, microphones, and cameras; the local media have been promoting the coverage they will devote to the hot event; menus are being planned, speeches crafted, and the newly crowned Miss Israel — an immigrant from Ethiopia — is excitedly awaiting the gala dinner at President Shimon Peres’ house, where she will be introduced to her counterpart, Mr. America.
And all this is in spite of Obama’s decision not to address the Knesset. Indeed, he claimed that the purpose of this trip was to “connect with the people.”