Heaven forbid his death before the election whereby Bush has somewhat of an obligation to say something. He would not want to take the high road and say something statesmanlike for fear of alienating the jewish vote. If he says what he actually believes (like, good riddence to a terrorist - gone without a shot fired) he may fail the "Global Test".
I don't expect Bush to say anything when Arafat dies. Bush has openly written him off from the start. He won't diss him; that's not like Bush. But he won't say anything complimentary, either.
"...Bush has somewhat of an obligation to say something."
Well, if there is any obligation for him to open his mouth on that occasion, he could always say something mealy-mouthed like acknowledge the fact of Arafat's death and then say that the administration is cognizant of it and is looking towards the future. Any speechwriter ought to be able to produce such texts by the ton.
I doubt he'd say anything. However I believe the left would be expected by the palis, anyway, to say something. Actually, I can see the clintons going to the funeral.