Arafat allowed to leave compound

Israel has agreed to allow Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to leave his compound to receive medical treatment in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Israeli media reported today.

The decision would permit Arafat to leave his compound in the city for the first time in two and a half years.

Arafat would be allowed to leave his compound for medical checks in a Ramallah hospital on condition that he returns afterward, the officials said.

The decision was made in conjunction with the army chief of staff and the head of the Shin Bet security service.

Palestinian officials said Arafat, who had been suffering from the flu recently, was unlikely to take up the offer because he is recovering and has a medical clinic in his compound.

However, Israeli media said the defence ministry arrived at its decision after receiving a request from Palestinian officials.

Arafat has not left his compound since 2002. Israel would only allow him to get treatment inside Ramallah, according to the reports.