WASHINGTON, Jan 8: The United States on Tuesday leaned toward accepting Israeli allegations that Palestinian officials had been involved in trying to smuggle 50 tonnes of weapons seized last week and demanded a quick explanation from Yasser Arafat.

In marked contrast to subdued remarks about the incident on Monday, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said there was clear evidence that some Palestinians had been involved but told reporters there was not yet proof that the Palestinian Authority leader or his top deputies were implicated.

“We find the fact that there are Palestinians involved in shipping these weapons deeply troubling,” Boucher said, citing comments made by the Palestinian captain of the ship that was intercepted by the Israeli navy last Thursday in the Red Sea.

The captain said on Israeli television on Monday that the shipment of Katyusha rockets, mines, anti-tank missiles, guns and explosives had been ordered by Arafat’s close associates.

Boucher called the skipper’s comments “credible” and said the attempt to smuggle the weapons was an indication that “there are Palestinians that seek to escalate the violence, that seek to introduce new weapons, additional weapons, and that would hope to escalate the violence in the region.”

Arafat has denied any knowledge of the shipment and has ordered an investigation into the incident and Boucher said that while Washington was withholding judgement of the Palestinian leader’s possible involvement, warned that he had better give a full explanation as quickly as possible.

A team of senior Israeli military officials — including the deputy director of military intelligence and the chief of naval intelligence — are due in Washington on Wednesday to provide evidence of Arafat’s alleged involvement, Boucher and Israeli sources said.

“We look forward to hearing from the Israelis tomorrow,” he said.

Boucher spoke after Israel’s Justice Minister Meir Sheetrit met with Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage to discuss the incident and other matters.

Sheetrit, speaking to reporters after the meeting, accused Arafat of “lying” in denying any involvement with the arms shipment.

“It is not the first time he is lying, he is lying all the time,” he said, expressing disbelief that anyone could question Israel’s accusations. “I am sorry to say that you are buying all the lies from him.”

“There is no doubt that Arafat himself was himself responsible for the purchase of these weapons, for bringing (them) to the area,” Sheetrit said. “We have no doubt of the connection between Mr Arafat and this ship.”

Boucher would not comment on Sheetrit’s remarks but a senior US State Department official made clear that evidence was mounting in favor of the Israeli allegations.

“As time passes as we hear more and more about the weaponry, the circumstances, the origin, the statements of the Palestinian (ship) commander, more and more about what’s going on, somebody better start explaining pretty quick otherwise conclusions are going to be reached,” the official said.

“Somebody better start explaining and that somebody if Chairman Arafat,” the official said.—AFP