Palestinian PM submits resignation after 2 weeks on the job, cites conflict over authority

The office of the new Palestinian prime minister says he has submitted his resignation after just two weeks on the job because of a conflict over authority, though it remains unclear whether he will actually step down.

Former university dean Rami Hamdallah took office June 6 after being picked by President Mahmoud Abbas to replace internationally known Salam Fayyad.

Abbas gave Hamdallah two deputies, one for political and one for economic affairs, apparently to make up for his political inexperience.

Hamdallah’s office said on Thursday that he submitted his resignation to Abbas because of a “conflict over authority.”

It was not clear whether Abbas would accept the resignation. His office declined comment.

Abbas had frequently clashed with Fayyad.

Hamdallah’s appointment was seen as a bid by Abbas to consolidate power.