Arafat is 'impediment' to talks with Israel: Mofaz

"Arafat continues to prove that he is a serious impediment to the development of a regime that could enter into talks with Israel," Mofaz said at the weekly cabinet meeting.

"The current Palestinian political situation as one of crisis, lacking in security," he said.

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Palestinian prime minister Ahmed Qorei's "emergency government is hanging by a thread due to the obstacles Arafat has put in its way," Mofaz added in remarks published by the cabinet secretary.

An ongoing dispute between Arafat and Qorei over powers allotted to the Palestinian cabinet has thrown the leadership into disarray, with Qorei poised to quit his post in early November.

It is the second time this year that Arafat has fallen out with a prime minister.

In September Qorei's predecessor, Mahmud Abbas, resigned over a power struggle with Arafat after less than five months on the job.

Although the uncertainty over the long-term direction of the Palestinian leadership has undermined any hope of a resumption in peace talks, Mofaz reiterated Israel's commitment to the internationally-backed "roadmap" for peace.

"In Israel's strategic view, US President George W. Bushs vision and the roadmap remain the primary context and framework for progress with the Palestinians.