Palestinian Cabinet to Resign Ahead of Elections

JERUSALEM -- A Palestinian official says the Cabinet will resign Monday, as part of the runup to new elections for president and parliament.

The official said Prime Minister Salam Fayyad will submit his Cabinet's resignation, and President Mahmoud Abbas will appoint him to form a new one. The incoming Cabinet will feature more members from Abbas' Fatah Party, he said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity late Sunday because no announcement was made.

Abbas' government has set elections for the fall, despite a serious challenge from the Islamic Hamas, which already controls Gaza. The Cabinet reshuffle is seen as a way to give Fatah a pre-election boost.