Israel has given giving Palestinian leader Mr Yasser Arafat 24 hours to prove he wants to calm the violent situation in the region, according to a radio report.
Israeli public radio reported Israel's inner security cabinet was giving Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat 24 hours to act following yesterday's suicide bombing in Tel Aviv which claimed at least 17 lives.
The report follows a warning from Israeli cabinet secretary Mr Gideon Saar that Israel would take "all necessary measures" to defend its citizens. He was speaking after a meeting of the security cabinet to weigh a response to Tel Aviv bombing.
"The Israeli government will judge Palestinian leader Mr Yasser Arafat by his actions," added Israeli Science and Culture Minister Mr Matan Vilnai, added.
He was responding to the pledge by Mr Arafat earlier today that he was prepared to do "whatever necessary" for an immediate ceasefire.
Meanwhile Israeli Foreign Minister Mr Shimon Peres cancelled his visit as an observer to an Organization of American States meeting in Costa Rica where he was also due to meet with US Secretary of State Mr Colin Powell.
Israeli Ambassador to Costa Rica Mr Daniel Gal told the ministry Mr Peres had cancelled his trip in the wake of the bomb in Tel Aviv.
Mr Peres had been due to arrive in San Jose tomorrow and meet with Mr Powell on the sidelines of the OAS meeting on Monday.
Shortly after the announcement in San Jose the US State Department said that Mr Powell had also canceled his visit to the Organization of American States (OAS) meeting in Costa Rica due to the situation in the Middle East.
AFP