White House Press Offices Evacuated

The vehicle that caused the alert is assigned to the Israeli delegation.

Blair House Photo: SOS

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - The press center across the street from the White House was evacuated on Monday after a bomb-sniffing dog prompted a security check of an Israeli vehicle, officials said.

The building was reopened about 90 minutes later.

The temporary office center is around the corner from Blair House, where dignitaries often stay.

Security was already tighter today because of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's visit.

Secret Service spokesman Eric Zahren said that at about 2:50 PM one of the agency's dogs ``hit'' on a vehicle, meaning it smelled explosives or some other device.

"Police were called," Blackford said. "The vehicle is part of the delegation that is staying at the Blair House."

Nothing was found in the vehicle, the Secret Service said later.

Olmert is staying at Blair House in advance of a meeting on Tuesday with President George W. Bush.