A security alert at Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s Jerusalem residence halted entry Wednesday, shortly before he was due to consult political parties after Israel’s parliamentary elections.
Herzog’s office said a security check set off the alert. Entry to the compound was suspended while authorities investigated, and police bomb disposal teams were sent to assess the screening equipment for a potential threat.
Gulf News reported, citing Israeli Channel 14, that a foreign journalist was detained at the entrance after screening equipment flagged an item among her belongings.
Ynet reported, citing a police source, that an explosives test on the journalist’s hands returned a positive result. Gulf News reported that people on site were held in the screening tent and security personnel were directed away from windows. Police later said an inspection cleared the suspected threat, and entry to the residence resumed.
Herzog was due to consult political parties following Israel’s parliamentary elections. He will decide whom to task with forming the next government.
