Katz: Arafat is well aware of the dangers of the present security situation. (Reuters)

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	The Knesset

Labor MK Yossi Katz came under intense criticism for his meeting on Monday with PA Chairman Yasser Arafat in Ramallah.

Katz, head of the Knesset House Committee, met with Arafat despite the ban on Israelis entering Palestinian controlled areas and despite explicit warnings from the IDF and other security officials not to go into Ramallah. Knesset Member Benny Elon (National Union) said Katz had set a very dangerous example and called for the removal of Katz's parliamentary immunity.

At least half a dozen Knesset members were slated to participate in the meeting; all except Katz dropped out. Security sources were fearful for the personal safety of the delegation, especially in the wake of Saturday night's IDF action that captured Force 17 operatives.

Katz originally presented his initiative of forming a team to meet with Arafat to Foreign Affairs Minister Shimon Peres and Defense Minister Ben Eliezer, who did not agree. "They knew about my plan to visit Arafat, but I did not get permission to speak on behalf of the government" Katz told the Jerusalem Post.

Katz's visit was the first time in months that an Israeli member of Knesset has met publicly with Arafat.

Katz had lunch on Monday with Arafat, Palestinian Parliament Speaker Abu Ala and head of PA preventative security Jabril Rajoub, who personally escorted Katz to the meeting.

Katz told ynet that Arafat did not promise to call an end to the violence, but was willing to come to an agreement that would return both sides to the negotiating table, a position the Sharon government does not accept.

Katz described the conversation as "useful and interesting", saying "the purpose of my visit was to tell the PA loud and clear that Israel expects the PA to stop the violence." Katz also said that the PA and Israel had a responsibility to return to the negotiating table, but that this could only happen once the fighting had stopped.

Katz said that Chairman Arafat expressed his commitment to the peace process. "He told me we should work hard to stop the violence," Katz told JPost radio.

Katz came under harsh criticism after his meeting with Arafat. National Union MK Benny Elon called for Katz's parliamentary immunity to be lifted, stating that his behavior was "irresponsible" and set a bad example. Alon stressed the core principle of the new, democratically elected Sharon government, which says there will be no diplomatic negotiations until all violence halts. Elon accused Katz of betraying this principle and the strategy of the government, saying Katz was "serving enemy interests, not our interests."

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