Meanwhile, in January 1968, Nasser commenced the War of Attrition to reclaim territory captured by Israel, ordering attacks against Israeli positions east of the then-blockaded Suez Canal. In March, Nasser offered Yasser <answer>Arafat</answer>'s Fatah movement arms and funds after their performance against Israeli forces in the Battle of Karameh that month. He also advised <answer>Arafat</answer> to think of peace with Israel and the establishment of a Palestinian state comprising the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Nasser effectively ceded his leadership of the "Palestine issue" to <answer>Arafat</answer>.
To whom did Nasser give authority to deal with Israel?
Arafat