Israeli politicians pay respects to Shimon Peres ahead of public viewing and Friday’s funeral. The casket of former President Shimon Peres went on display for public viewing at the Knesset in Jerusalem on Thursday morning, where thousands were expected to visit and pay respects to the late leader.
Ahead of the public viewing, President Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Knesset Speaker Yuri Edelstein layed wreaths at the coffin and Knesset members said their final farewells.
Hundreds of civilians were already lined up in the Knesset plaza as the public viewing began.

Peres’ coffin will remain in the Knesset plaza and open to viewing until 9 P.M. Thursday evening, ahead of his funeral on Friday morning.
Peres’ funeral on Friday is expected to be one of the largest and most complex events ever to be held in Israel with security and logistics playing a major role in preparation for the arrival of dozens of international dignitaries who will pay their respects to Peres.
These include U.S. President Barack Obama as well Canada’s Justin Trudeau and other world leaders.
Preparations for the funeral are being overseen by culture Minister Miri Regev in cooperation with a mass of security forces including the Israel Police, the Border Police, the Israel Defense Forces and the Shin Bet security service.
“Facing us is a complex event that requires extraordinary coordination between all institutions. We must treat it as a well-planned operation.”

Source: Haaretz