Arafat to meet Clinton for more talks

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat is taking part in more talks at the White House in what is seen as a last-ditch attempt at a breakthrough before the end of Clinton's term in office.

But before the talks had even begun , Israeli leader Ehud Barak said he doubted Bill Clinton could broker a peace deal before the end of his presidency on January 20.

"I don't believe it is reasonable that we will be able to bring about an agreement to be signed in th next two weeks or in the next three weeks, which is still before the next elections," Mr Barak said. But aides to Yasser Arafat said he was on his way to Washington on Tuesday for an "urgent visit" after speaking with Clinton by telephone.

The announcement came just hours after more than 40 people were injured in a rush-hour terrorist attack.

The car bomb ripped through the busy main street of Netanya, about 18 miles from Tel Aviv.