'Israeli plans' for Arafat death

Arafat's health has been a concern for both sides

Israel should brace itself for violence and refuse Yasser Arafat's burial in Jerusalem when he dies, according to a reported government contingency plan.

Several media outlets have published details of what is said to be Israel's plan to handle the death of the Palestinian leader, who is in his 70s.

The plan proposes a burial for Mr Arafat in Abu Dis, rather than the holy ground of Jerusalem.

But Israel has no intention of harming him at the moment, Israeli radio said.

It broadcast an interview with the Israeli Deputy Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, who said Israel had "no personal plans" for Mr Arafat.

ISRAEL CONTINGENCY PLAN Best if Arafat dies abroad No burial in Jerusalem Israel must avoid being blamed

The document reportedly says the Palestinian Authority is likely to collapse and major violence would flare up in the West Bank and Gaza - beginning in the refugee camps - fanned by Hamas and other Islamic groups.

Israel would oppose any attempt by the militants to take control of Palestinian areas with "extreme measures", including launching a broad military operation in the Gaza Strip, according to reports on the document.

Steps would be taken to stop any rumours that Israel was in any way connected with a death by natural causes.

Sent away to die

The document is said to anticipate that Palestinians will demand Mr Arafat be buried in the Haram al-Sharif (Noble Sanctuary), known to Jews as the Temple Mount, which houses the al-Aqsa mosque in East Jerusalem.

But this is ruled out as "symbolically problematic".

Burial in the Aqsa compound is a great honour for Muslims

The best eventuality, the document says, is that Mr Arafat be treated abroad if his health deteriorates and for him to die outside the Palestinian territories.

That would remove blame from Israel and make it easier to prevent a Jerusalem burial, the document says.

A more troubling scenario for Israel foresees thousands of Palestinians trying to force their way into Jerusalem with Mr Arafat's body.

The burial should take place in the suburb of Abu Dis, which overlooks the old city of Jerusalem but lies outside the land claimed by Israel as its capital, the document says.

The document concludes that Israel must begin preparing for Mr Arafat's death by putting "pressure" on militant groups, to minimise their future capabilities, and opening dialogue with Palestinians who would form an "acceptable" government.

Responding to the report, an Arafat adviser told Israeli Army Radio that the Palestinian leader is still in control and "very healthy".