The security committee of the Israeli cabinet has failed to agree on whether to allow the Hamas leader, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, to return to the Gaza Strip.

He's been on a tour of Arab countries, raising funds for Hamas and calling for new attacks on Israel.

Israel radio said the prevailing view in the defence establishment was that the Sheikh should be allowed to return.

Sheikh Yassin was released from prison by Israel last September.

He was exchanged for two agents of the Israel secret service, Mossad, who were captured by Jordan after a failed attempt to assassinate the Hamas political director in Amman, Khalid Meshal.