PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. – Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputies and Secret Service agents are already inspecting vehicles entering Mar-a-Lago in preparation for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit on Friday.
Authorities told Local 10 News that security will be intensified on Friday as they anticipate large crowds of protesters.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw assured that security measures are well underway along Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach. In coordination with the Secret Service and state and local law enforcement partners, they are preparing for Netanyahu’s arrival.
“There will be some road closures as there always are, but they won’t be for long. It’s just to get to and from,” said Bradshaw.
Netanyahu is set to meet former President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday, following his recent visit to Washington where he addressed a joint session of Congress, which sparked protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Demonstrations in Washington led to vandalism and clashes with police, but Bradshaw warned that such behavior would not be tolerated in Palm Beach.
“I know some of the protesters like to shut roads down and make a statement. That ain’t going to happen here. We are not going to allow it,” he said.
Protesters will be allowed on both sides of Southern Boulevard but not in the street.
“I am bringing two corrections buses, and if you get in the road, that will be the end of your day,” Bradshaw warned.
Additional security measures
Foot traffic will be restricted east of the bridge, waterways near Mar-a-Lago will be closed to boaters, and all vehicles will be subject to random checks.
Despite heightened security concerns following a recent assassination attempt on Trump, Bradshaw is hoping for a peaceful visit.
“We are well trained at this. We protected the president for four years here, and we never had a glitch,” he said.
Expected arrival and road closures
Netanyahu is expected to arrive at 11 a.m., with road closures beginning around 10:30 a.m.
He will stay for two to three hours before being escorted back to the airport for his departure.