Israel responsible for any deterioration in region

"Israel is responsible for any deterioration that might take place in the region," said Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa.

Moussa expressed support for President Hosni Mubarak's statements in which he warned against the seriousness of Israeli threats against Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat.

"Such threats will certainly lead to harsh responses that could bring anew the tit-for-tat actions by the resistance and Israeli forces," Moussa said.

Moussa condemned Israel's destruction of houses and confiscation of Palestinian lands, adding that such measures could abort any political initiative aiming at containing the situation in the region.

"Arab contacts are under way to face this new deterioration in the region that is meant to undermine all endeavors to salvage the region," Moussa said.

"Israel, as expected, is trying to waste every opportunity to restore calm to the region under the Mitchell recommendations," Moussa noted.