Jerusalem: The Israeli Security Cabinet gave its approval in principle on September 11 to the forcible expulsion of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, according to a government statement.

"The events of these last few days have proved again that Yasser Arafat is an obstacle to all attempts at reconciliation between the Israelis and the Palestinians," said the statement.

"Israel will act to remove this obstacle in a manner and at a time which will be decided afterwards."

According to a government source, the decision had in effect given the green light for the Army to expel Arafat when it sees fit.

The Security Cabinet, which was chaired by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, was convened to discuss the plan of action in the aftermath of two suicide bombs on September 9 which left 15 Israelis dead as well as the attackers.

Israel has accused Arafat of trying to sabotage the peace process and giving the green light to attacks by Palestinians militants.

Arafat has in turn accused Israel of killing off the peace process, by continued acts of aggression.

Nabil Abu Rudeina, an advisor to Arafat, said Israel would "pay a high price" if it moved ahead with the expulsion.

The decision "makes no sense to us", he added, calling on the United Nations Security Council to impose immediate sanctions against the Israeli government.

Both the US and the European Union have warned Israel against trying to expel the 74-year-old symbol of Palestinian resistance. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak had warned that any such attempt would be a "monumental error".

Agencies