Arafat must take decisive steps say Israelis

Despite US pressure to enable Yasser Arafat to join this week’s crucial Arab summit, Israel will not lift the travel ban on the Palestinian leader unless he takes decisive steps against militants, an adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said today.

Israel will make its decision by tomorrow, the day before the summit, said Raanan Gissin. After another round of truce talks ended without result last night, Arafat’s trip appeared increasingly in doubt.