JERUSALEM. Dec 11: Israel has tightened its hold on Arab East Jerusalem, imposing a broad ban on Palestinian political activity in the city in a move to block a PLO-backed census, reports Reuter

Right-wing Prime Minister Beniamin Netanyahu scrambleci to push the bill through parliament in accelerated proceedings after legal experts said an existing prohibition did not cover Palestinian census-taking.

In a marathon session that stretched late Into Wednesday night, parliament voted 26-11 In favour of the legislaUon.

The proposal widens the authority to prevent all activities of the PLO or of the Palestinian Authority Inconsistent with the

sovereignty of the state of Israel." the Justice ministry said In a statement.

Palestinians began a population survey of the West Bank and Gaza this week, saying only that It would include all areas here Palestinians live, about 180.000 Arabs reside In East Jerusalem of the more than one million living tn the West Bank.

A senior Palestinian negotiator. Saeb Erekat. said the Israeli parliament vote preached signed agreements. He told Voice of Palestine radio, monitored by the BBC. that 1993 Oslo peace accords permitted Palestinian population censuses.

Another report adds: Defence Minister Yitzhak

Mordechai has formulated a proposal that allows for a withdrawal from 13 per cent of the West Bank which would satisfy US demands on the pullout. Israel radio reported today.

But Israeli national infrastructures minister Ariel Sharon opposes Mordechai's plan, preferring a smaller transfer of territory to the Palestinians, the public radio added.

The two to meet later today with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister David Levy to work out a final proposal to be presented by Netanyahu to US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright in a meeting between the two on Wednesday.