JERUSALEM (AP) — A senior Palestinian security official said Thursday he is prepared to resign if asked, and officials close to another security chief dismissed by Yasser Arafat said he may challenge the Palestinian leader in January elections.
Arafat dismissed West Bank Preventive Security commander Jibril Rajoub and Gaza police chief Ghazi Jibali, but neither man had received official notice of their dismissals.
"Two days ago, the media started to talk about changing, transferring senior officers and that included myself," Rajoub said Thursday. He added that he'd submit a letter of resignation once Arafat issues any formal notice, saying: "I will implement President Arafat's orders in my own way."
A Palestinian police official said Jibali, too, planned to resign once formally notified of his dismissal and would consider running against Arafat in January elections. Jibali was not immediately available for comment.
Though Rajoub has pledged loyalty to Arafat, Israeli media reported that Rajoub's backers were rejecting any other commander in his place.