Jerusalem Police Chief Aharon Franco confirmed Tuesday that local Arab groups plan to avenge the killing of Hizbullah arch-terrorist Imad Mughniyeh last month by murdering Israeli police officers. Franco said Jerusalem police have taken the warnings seriously and have taken security measures to protect senior officers.
Franco also predicted the current riots by local Arabs would ease off in coming days, and said his immediate goal is to ensure peaceful Moslem prayers in the Jerusalem and Bethlehem areas on Friday. "I believe this is a passing phase, (but) we will be out in greater force than usual on Friday," he said.