The spotlights which normally shine on Jerusalem's Old City walls for dramatic effect at night will be turned off earlier than usual Thursday morning, because visiting U.S. President George Bush wants to watch the sun rise over the walls and the lights would spoil his enjoyment.
Jerusalem's main streets are empty and instead of the normal hustle and bustle, one hears barely a rustle. King George Street and the city center are completely empty of cars, as are the streets leading to the center, such as Betzalel Street, home of the Mahane Yehuda market.
The King David Hotel, where Bush is staying, has been taken over by the U.S. secret service, which is, in effect, sovereign over security arrangements such as who may enter. Entry to King David Street is forbidden to all cars save those belonging to its residents, who must also show identification and permission from the municipality before being allowed to park their cars there.