Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has approved the transfer of light weapons and ammunition to security forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Mr. Olmert announced the weapons transfer in a speech Tuesday to Britain's parliament. He said the weapons will help Mr. Abbas in his struggle with the militant Islamic group Hamas.
Media reports say the weapons will come from Jordan.
Mr. Olmert said he decided to help Mr. Abbas because, he said, time is running out.
Hamas and Mr. Abbas' more moderate Fatah faction have been locked in a power struggle ever since Hamas won parliamentary elections in January. Hamas took over the Palestinian Authority in March.
Mr. Olmert is wrapping up a visit to London Tuesday.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.