JERUSALEM, Oct 28 (AFP) - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon convened a meeting of senior security officials Thursday, who briefed him on the implications of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's deteriorated health.
"The prime minister received a comprehensive and exhaustive intelligence briefing," a statement from his office said.
"Prime Minister Sharon instructed Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz to hold a comprehensive security assessment of the situation forthwith.
"The prime minister directed that the next cabinet meeting include a special discussion on events in the PA (Palestinian Authority) and that the cabinet receive exhaustive briefings from senior security establishment officials on the issue."
Israel authorities, wary of being blamed in the event of Arafat's death, have said they will not impose any restrictions on his movements if he wants to leave his West Bank headquarters for hospital treatment.
Arafat has been effectively kept under house arrest by Israel for nearly three years and Sharon has made a number of threats to kill his nemesis.
10/28/2004 14:25 GMT - AFP