JERUSALEM -- Israel's security cabinet Wednesday decided to let the Palestinians bury Yasser Arafat at his Muqata'a headquarters in Ramallah.
Arafat is reported in a deep coma at a French military hospital. A burial service is expected in Cairo and according to Israel's Deputy Public Security Minister Jacob Edri a Jordanian helicopter is to fly the body to Ramallah.
The prime minister's office said the decision to allow a burial in Ramallah follows a Palestinian Authority request. Israel wants the funeral to pass "smoothly so as not to cause confrontations or undue escalation," the statement added.
The Palestinians would be responsible for security and public order in Ramallah during and after the funeral. Israel will not be involved in maintaining order in Ramallah, at that time, but reinforced Israeli troops will be nearby "ready for various developments," Israel Radio reported.
Dignitaries are expected to come to the funeral through Jordan and Israel's Ben Gurion International airport but only VIPs (very important persons) would be allowed to come from Gaza. Israelis who want to attend the funeral will be allowed to do so once they sign waivers absolving Israel of responsibility for their security, the radio reported.
