The US president arrived at Ben Gurion International Airport and was greeted by President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and cabinet ministers.

The first speech at the airport ceremony was made by President Shimon Peres, followed by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert who praised Bush for his support of Israel. Then President Bush thanked the Israeli leadership for the welcome.

Netanyahu to meet Bush

Opposition leader Binyamin Netanyahu is to meet Thursday morning with President Bush. The invitation to the Likud chairman was submitted by the US Ambassador to Israel, Richard Jones. The meeting is to take place at the King David Hotel where the president is staying.

The US president will be meeting with Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupoliansky on Wednesday as well as other top Israeli officials.

Anti-Bush demonstrations will be kept out of president's sight

The commander of police operations told Kol Yisrael Wednesday morning that demonstrations against the US president's visit will be allowed to take place, just not in areas close to where Bush is to be travelling.

The commander said police would do everything possible to reduce the inconvenience caused to the public.

Some Jerusalem post offices are to shut their doors to the public at 2:30 Wednesday afternoon due to visit of the American president. The branches involved are on Chopin, Shamai and Agrippas Streets and the main Jerusalem branch on Jaffa Street.

Ramallah readies for Bush visit

In Ramallah, preparations are nearing completion for the visit by President Bush to the Palestinian Authority. Some of the taller buildings in the Muqata compound of President Mahmoud Abbas are being evacuated to be taken over by US snipers who will be positioned on the roof-tops. - By Copyright © 2005 Israel Broadcasting Authority.