In the hopes of winning over the likes of Sahfe, then-prime minister Ehud Barak and then-foreign minister and public security minister Shlomo Ben-Ami rejected the Vatican's objections.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Addressing Israel's homegrown enemies

Israeli Public Security Minister Uzi Landau said that Sunday's Christmas reception, to be attended by international diplomats, is a "private event" and would be allowed to take place.

CNN: Israel bans Arafat Christmas Eve visit

Shlomo Ben Ami - the public security minister and a leading member of the government's negotiating team with the Palestinians - has, by contrast, been damaged by his association with Ehud Barak.

BBC: Barak's party stripped of power