THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Barack Obama will be limited to an especially strict Kosher diet when he visits Israel for the first time as US president this month.
The stringent dietary restrictions will be dictated by the timing of Mr Obama's arrival at Jerusalem's landmark King David Hotel on March 20 – after it has changed to a full religious menu in preparation for the start of the annual Jewish Passover festival five days later.
Bosses at the 233-room King David say they are unable to make an exception for the presidential party.
Pasta dishes will be very much off the menu, while dishes rich in vegetables will predominate – even on room service, which will operate 24-hours-a-day for the duration of the president's visit.
"We're used to hosting heads of state and also American presidents, but this situation is very special for us because it's so close to Pesach [Passover]. For us it will be double the preparations," the hotel's manager, Dror Danino, told Haaretz [$] newspaper. » | Robert Tait, Jerusalem | Monday, Marcj 11, 2013
THE JERUSALEM POST: Army of 10,000 police prepare for Obama visit: Police Spokesman says thousands of police will take part in securing the three-day visit by US president. » | Ben Hartman | Monday, March 11, 2013
YNET NEWS – OPINION: Progress or explosion: Op-ed: President Obama may as well postpone visit to region if he does not plan to advance peace process » | Emanuel Rosen | Sunday, March 10, 2013
