Palestinians vow to defend Arafat

PALESTINIANS yesterday vowed to defend Yasser Arafat with their lives as Israel came under fierce international criticism for its threat to “remove” the Palestinian leader.

Israeli leaders, who say Arafat is an obstacle to peace, left their statements intentionally vague and put off immediate action to avoid a direct clash with the United States, leave their options open and keep the Palestinian chief wary and guessing.

Israel appeared to pull back yesterday from any immediate operation, leaving lookout positions atop two buildings overlooking Arafat’s battered compound in the West Bank town of Ramallah.