The Delhi police have closed two important roads in the capital to ensure the safety of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who will arrive on Monday night.

Only VIP cars with security passes will be allowed on Man Singh Road and Moti Lal Nehru Marg till Sharon leaves for Mumbai on September 11.

The two roads are on either side of Taj Man Singh Hotel, where Sharon will stay.

The police have thrown a tight security cordon around the hotel and visitors are being allowed in only after strict checking.

Israeli intelligence officials have virtually taken over the security of the hotel and control all the access routes to the place.

The Intelligence Bureau and sleuths of the special branch of the police are working in close coordination with Mossad to ensure that troublemakers are kept out.

Most of the Palestinians in Delhi are under constant watch. Those sympathising with the Palestine cause are also being shadowed.

All the venues that Sharon is likely to visit -- particularly Rajghat -- are being sensitised.

Except for the ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday morning and his visit to Hyderabad House, where he will hold talks with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Sharon will receive most of his visitors at his hotel suite.