Capitol Hill on alert over protests as Netanyahu due to address Congress

Police mount major security operation to seal off US Capitol from protesters before Israeli prime minister to speak

• Netanyahu to address US Congress – latest updates

Capitol Hill is on high alert for a day of protest from thousands of demonstrators representing a broad coalition of groups voicing opposition to Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, when he addresses a joint session of the US Congress.

With tensions over Israel’s 10-and-half-month war in Gaza running high, police mounted a major security operation to seal off the US Capitol from protesters long before Netanyahu is due to speak at 2pm ET.