Israel set to call time on Arafat’s reign

YASSER ARAFAT must “disappear from the stage of history,” Israel’s defence minister said yesterday, adding that the Palestinian leader’s fate — most likely expulsion — may be decided before the end of the year.

Shaul Mofaz issued the warning as Mr Arafat and his Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas remained locked in a bitter power struggle.

Mr Abbas, backed by the United States and Israel, is increasingly unpopular with Palestinians and could be ousted, possibly in a parliament vote next week.