Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's trip to India - the first ever by an Israeli Prime Minister - has been pushed off to Monday, because of fears of terrorism in that country. Sharon and his 150-person entourage were to have departed Israel on Sunday so that they could begin their visit in the Taj Mahal - but it was decided that even the high-level security protection the Indians are preparing would not be adequate. Sharon will therefore fly directly to New Delhi, where he will meet with Indian leaders.
The media in India are reporting that terrorist groups are preparing a "desperate attack" during the visit. The area around the hotel in which Sharon is to stay will be made "sterile," and locals will be able to walk there only with special "residency cards." The size of Sharon's delegation has drawn the ire of opposition MKs, who call on him to reduce it. PA Foreign Minister Nabil Sha'ath visited India last week.