Israel has 'no immediate plan to kill Arafat' despite Sharon threat

ISRAEL has no immediate plans to kill Yasser Arafat, despite Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's latest threats against the Palestinian leader, Israel's vice premier said yesterday.

Mr Sharon said on Friday that he was no longer bound by a pledge he made to the United States not to harm Mr Arafat. The comments infuriated the Palestinians, and the White House said President Bush remains opposed to attacks on Mr Arafat.

Mr Arafat said yesterday that he wasn't afraid to die.