US warns Israel off Arafat attack
Sharon: Arafat should not "feel immune" to being targeted
The US has reaffirmed its opposition to any bid to kill or expel Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, following veiled threats against him by Israel.

US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage said Washington had made its position "very clear" to Israel.

The statement came after Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Mr Arafat was among those who might be targeted for assassination.

He said anyone who killed a Jew or harmed an Israeli was a "marked man".

Last October Israel's security cabinet decided in principle to "remove" Mr Arafat.

The decision prompted a storm of criticism from the international community.

Mr Sharon later said he had no plans to kill Mr Arafat. He also acknowledged he had promised Washington not to harm him.

During a visit to Kuwait on Friday, Mr Armitage told reporters: "There is no question that the government of Israel knows our view on this matter."

He did not say whether he had reminded the Israeli of the US position recently.