Palestinian President Yasser Arafat is expected to resolve differences with Prime Minister Ahmed Korei today by promising anti-corruption and security reforms.
Mr Arafat's leadership was challenged this month when gunmen linked to his Fatah faction sparked chaos in Gaza by kidnapping a number of Palestinian officials and foreigners and demanding he reform the Palestinian Authority and security forces.
A power struggle has been brewing in Gaza in anticipation of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan to withdraw troops and settlers from the occupied territory by the end of 2005.
Mr Korei, widely viewed as a moderate voice in the Palestinian Authority, has called for reform and submitted his resignation to Mr Arafat last week over the issue.
He wants the Mr Arafat to relinquish control, both direct and indirect, over security forces. So far, Mr Arafat has agreed to only superficial changes.
The focus is now on a cabinet meeting today at which Palestinian legislators expect to see a breakthrough. Following talks with Mr Arafat yesterday legislator Ms Hanan Ashrawi said Mr Arafat "agreed to speed up the reform drive to end the state of lawlessness in the Palestinian territories".
Mr Ashrawi said Mr Arafat would demand the Palestinian attorney general begin legal procedures against any officials involved in corruption. Another legislator said Mr Arafat would give his interior minister powers to fight corruption.
International mediators regard such reforms as critical to reducing violence in the Palestinian conflict with Israel and salvaging the internationally backed peace "road map" promising the Palestinians their own state.
Mr Korei is frustrated at his lack of power to rid public bodies, above all a muddle of security agencies, of feuding and cronyism and make them more democratic and accountable.