The reports said sources on both sides confirmed the meeting, describing it as "very successful". However, the sources did not give any further details.

The meeting between the two leaders signalled their determination to work on the revised Wye River Accord, signed between the two sides earlier this month at the Red Sea Resort of Sharm Al Sheikh in Egypt.

The reports said talks were held at the home of Arafat's deputy, Mahmoud Abbas, in Ramallah in the West Bank. There was no official announcement from either side about the meeting.

There was speculation that Barak informed Arafat of the composition of the Israeli negotiating team for the peace talks. The Palestinians have already informed the Israelis that their team would be led by information and Culture Minister Yasser AbedRabbo.

Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy, who will lead his country's team to the talks, told Israeli Radio on Friday morning that he was not informed about Thursday night's meeting.

"It's not okay. The Prime Minister has the right...to meet whichever leaders he sees fit. A good and healthy relationship must be based, if not on consultation, then at least on (sharing) information", he said.

Barak's office said in a statement that Levy was not told about the meeting because of an oversight. "Barak views Levy as a full and central partner in the peace process", it said.

Under the modified Wye River land-for-peace agreement, the two sides have decided to reach a framework for negotiations on a final settlement by February 2000 and a full agreement later by September.

Some of the major issues that have to be sorted out by the two sides in the coming months include the final status of Jerusalem and Jewish settlements in Palestinian areas, the future of Palestinian refugees and settingpermanent frontiers.