Plot to kill Arafat denied by Israel

The Palestinian Authority today said it had uncovered an Israeli plot to assassinate Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat - an accusation immediately dismissed by Israel.

Arafat adviser Nabil Abu Irdeneh did not provide details of the alleged Israeli plan but he said in Gaza City: ‘‘We warn the Israeli government not to play with fire. Israel will pay a high price for any action (against Arafat).’’