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Arafat's days are numbered, Israeli official says

JERUSALEM, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Palestinian President Yasser Arafat's days are numbered but Israel has taken no decision on when or how to "remove" him following a suicide bombing in Israel, an Israeli spokesman said on Monday.

Raanan Gissin, senior adviser to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, said the attack which killed 19 people on Saturday meant Israel was likely to act faster on a decision it took in principle last month to remove Arafat from power.

"We said the cabinet decision served as an ample warning that his days are numbered," Gissin told Reuters. "How he will be removed and when will be decided according to the circumstances."

Asked whether the suicide bombing would hasten the time when Israel would act, Gissin said: "No doubt. If he continues in the present policy and strategy of terror, that would hasten the time that he would have to be removed."

Israel and the United States accuse Arafat of fomenting violence in the more than three-year-old Palestinian uprising for statehood. Arafat denies the charge.