Announced:
The GPO is anticipating that approximately 500 journalists from around the world will arrive in Israel to cover the visit, many of them senior correspondents and public opinion-makers, including around 200 journalists from the White House press corps who will arrive on a special charter flight from Washington on the eve of the visit.
"During those days, the attention of the world will be focused on the State of Israel, and we at the GPO are ready to provide the best possible individual treatment to journalists – from even before they arrive in Israel until the moment they leave," says GPO Director Nitzan Chen.
The GPO is printing press cards in advance and will issue them to journalists at Ben-Gurion International Airport and at the press center (see below) in order to avoid their having to go the GPO offices. Journalists' details will be provided in advance to Border Control at Ben-Gurion International Airport in order to prevent inconveniences that have occurred in the past, such as delays for investigation. The security unit at BGI Airport will be updated by the GPO regarding departing flights and some of the checking procedures will be done in advance in order to shorten the process. All journalists will receive a kit that includes information about Israel-US relations, useful contact numbers and a detailed schedule for the visit, as well as background material.
The GPO is also prepared to make it easier for foreign journalists to work while in Israel. A large and well-equipped press center will be opened at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center (6 S.U. Nahon St.) in Jerusalem. It will feature dozens of computer and Internet stations, screens with live broadcasts of President Obama's visit and refreshments – all without charge. The press center (02-5007530/2) will be open from 08:00 on Wednesday, 20 March 2013, until Friday afternoon, 22 March 2013.
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