Following terror attack: police on alert
Following terror attack in Shfaram, security forces on high alert for funerals, Friday afternoon Islamic prayer sermons; police up state of readiness, will increase presence in north of country, Jerusalem, army on alert in West Bank
SHFARAM (VIDEO) - Security forces are on high alert across the country following the terror attack in Shfaram Thursday, in which four people were killed.
There are fears of riots breaking out in Arab areas, especially after Friday afternoon prayers.
Scene of the terror attack Video: Reuters
A committee of Arab Israeli Knesset members and public officials said that a general strike would take place across the Arab sector on Friday, and a demonstration will take place in Nazarath, the largest Arab city in Israel.
Police chief Moshe Karadi said that there will be an increase in police presence in the north of the country, and in the Temple Mount area in Jerusalem.
Israeli Arab figures have said they hoped that Friday’s protest does not go out of control, and that the determined and clear condemnations of the attack made by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, and senior ministers and politicians, including right wing leaders, will be able to decrease tensions and allow the protests to pass off peacefully.
Intensive discussions were taking place Thursday night in an effort to ensure that Friday’s protests remain within the confines of the law. Arab leaders have also said they expected the police to act with restraint and to allow protesters to voice their feelings.
Sermons
All sermons during tomorrow’s Friday afternoon Islamic prayers are expected to concentrate on the attack, and will call on prime minister Sharon and the Israeli public to end incitement against the Arab sector. Calls have also been issued to improve relations between the Jewish and Arab communities, with an emphasis of full equal rights for the Arab minority.
At the same time, the army will raise its level of preparation in Judea and Samaria, and there are fears of disturbances from both Arabs and Jews in the territories.
A situation analysis conducted by the Jerusalem police district chief Ilan Franco resulted in a decision to increase police presence in Jerusalem, in preparation for Friday afternoon prayers on the Temple Mount.
Thousands of soldiers and border police will be stationed from early morning hours onwards in the alleys of the Old City and around the Temple Mount, and police officers will work to prevent provocation from any side, according to Franco.
Police chiefs held talks with Arab leaders, including chairman of the Arab councils, Shuki Hativ, and head of Shfaram municipality Irasan Yasin, and asked them to show restraint.
