Photo Credit: Hadas Parush / Flash 90
The coffin of Israel's ninth President, Shimon Peres, rests before the Knesset, accompanied by the Knesset Honor Guard.

A decision has been made to close the funeral of Israel’s ninth President, Shimon Peres to the public due to the attendance by Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation.

The source of the decision was not revealed to media.

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Israel Police Commissioner Roni Alsheikh indicated police made several “preventive” arrests on suspicion that several people planned to disrupt the funeral proceedings at Mount Herzl cemetery, Channel 10 reported.

Meanwhile the Israel Security Agency / Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency completed its preparations Thursday for the protection of more than 60 world leaders and other dignitaries who will attend the event.

The intelligence agency was tasked with protecting 20 presidents, 15 foreign ministers, five heads of state and numerous other dignitaries as they arrived in Israel for the Peres funeral, beginning Thursday.

A statement from the agency said its units are providing an intelligence and technological envelope that includes the use of advanced technology.

The operation is unprecedented in Israeli history — it is being led by the VIP Protection Unit — and the coverage is to continue until all of the dignitaries have left the country. The agency is coordinating its movements with its counterparts from around the world.

Street closings and transportation to the Knesset

On Thursday, September 29, all routes leading to the Knesset plaza were closed to traffic: Eliezer Kaplan Street, Yoel Zusman Street and Road #16 which encompasses the Knesset. These routes will remain be closed until after the funeral procession has left for Mt. Herzl Friday morning.

Mt. Herzl area street closings

From 07:00 am Friday, September 30, all routes leading to Mount Herzl will be closed to traffic: Derech Mordechai Ish Shalom, Yehoshua Farbstein Street, Herzl Boulevard from Chords Bridge junction to Holland Square, Shmuel Beyth Street in the direction toward Mt. Herzl, Bayit Vagan Street and HaZikaron Street. Streets from the hotels to Mt. Herzl: Gershon Agron Street, Ramban Street, Hecht, Herzl.

Vehicles parked on these routes will be towed.

The roads will be opened following the conclusion of the funeral and the dispersal of those in attendance.

Important Note for Travelers to and From Jerusalem:

From 7:30 am to 9:00 am, and again from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm on Friday, Highway 1 will be shut down in both directions.

Roads leading to Highway 1 will be closed as well. Also expect heavy traffic on Highways 6, 431, 38, and 443 during those hours.

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Hana Levi Julian is a Middle East news analyst with a degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Southern Connecticut State University. A past columnist with The Jewish Press and senior editor at Arutz 7, Ms. Julian has written for Babble.com, Chabad.org and other media outlets, in addition to her years working in broadcast journalism.