Arafat's death will bring chaos.

WHEN Yasser Arafat dies, Israel must make sure the Palestinian leader's body is not buried in Jerusalem and take harsh measures to prevent militant groups from taking control in the Palestinian territories, according to a new contingency plan.

The document lays out Israel's best predictions about the consequences that may follow the death of Arafat, 75.

Arafat, who has suffered a series of health problems in recent years, wields enormous power and has said little about who might succeed him or what to do with his body.

The contingency plan forecasts chaos in the Palestinian territories. It says Arafat's Palestinian Authority will collapse and Islamic groups, led by Hamas, could rise up out of the refugee camps where they have strong support and try to take control of the Palestinian government.

Israel must take extreme measures to prevent this scenario, including a broad military operation in the Gaza Strip, according to the document.

There have been some signs that Arafat's health is deteriorating but Palestinian officials say he remains firmly in control. ``He is very healthy, ''said an adviser.