Publico: Mahmoud Abbas’s Clinging to the Presidency Chair Complicates the Political Situation in Palestine

After 16 years of assuming power, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is reluctant to appoint a successor.

Concurrent with his aging, the people’s dissatisfaction with Abbas has increased, and the majority of Palestinians do not support him.

The Spanish newspaper, Publico, said: “After more than three decades of absolute power, Mahmoud Abbas has not yet clarified what will happen when his term ends.”

 

As it seems at this stage, according to the newspaper, Abbas’s abdication from the throne will be—exclusively—the result of his death or disability.

At 85, the Palestinian president still clings to his chair in Ramallah, where he rarely leaves.

The newspaper pointed out that Abbas’s tenure was marked by complete submission to “Israel” and close cooperation with the Occupation army.

This is largely because Abbas knows very well that if Israeli soldiers stop the daily incursions into the West Bank, they will last only a few weeks at most or months in Ramallah.

This is a reference from the newspaper to the popular dissatisfaction with Abbas, which could result in mass demonstrations against him that may develop into a major security disorder.

The newspaper reported that Abbas is not interested in resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

He not only suppressed the Palestinian militants fighting the Occupation, but also extended his iron fist to the opponents in general.

Furthermore, he implemented everything that was appropriate for “Israel” at all times. Under the circumstances arising from the Occupation, Abbas became a submissive employee of the occupying forces.

He also deliberately ignored the indications that “Israel” is only seeking to annex the West Bank, by taking over the administration of the Occupation, and removing much of the burden from it.

The newspaper noted that “Israel” is moving forward with its colonial plans, with the blessing of the United States and Europe.

In particular, the disastrous European policy toward the Middle East, dictated by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, supported the financing of the Occupation and succeeded in pushing Abbas into that suicidal game.

In this way, what “Israel” had to do, Europe and the United States did; this served only the interests of “Israel” and not its own, and to a lesser extent, the interests of the Palestinians.

The Israelis spend huge sums of money expanding their settlements in the plain sight of everyone, especially Abbas, the United States, and Europe, who accept it meekly as if it were inevitable.

 

In this tense climate, accounts on social media in recent days have reported that Abbas was seriously ill, even speculating that he will not live long.

This seemingly baseless news spread widely across the region, leading to endless speculations.

The newspaper reported that the Palestinian authorities confirmed from Ramallah that the Palestinian president’s health is good.

Although the rumors that flooded social networks have subsided, they came as a reminder that there is no succession plan, something that should concern everyone, not only Palestinians but also Americans and Europeans.

Since the death of Yasser Arafat in 2004, Abbas has not given up his rule, continuing to serve “Israel,” without appointing a successor, indicating that he is determined to continue in the Mukataa headquarters until death.

Abbas clings to power despite the numerous opinion polls that indicated that the vast majority of Palestinians want him to leave, given that his presidency was negative and did not serve the interests of the West Bank and Gaza.

The newspaper pointed out that some analysts believe that Abbas’s stepping down will lead to an outbreak of violence and that no party will be able to compensate him with an alternative according to the conditions dictated by “Israel” today.

Overall, this idea makes sense, given that potential successors would face an even more complicated situation, due to the policies of the United States and Europe over the past sixteen years.

According to the Hebrew newspaper Haaretz, “Israel” does not want to be seen as responsible for appointing Abbas’ successor.

From this standpoint, it is trying to persuade another country, manipulated by “Israel,” to take steps in order to convince Abbas of the necessity of appointing a successor who matches the specifications it sets according to its interests.

In general, this role can be played by Saudi Arabia or Egypt, two countries that blindly obey “Israel,” according to the Spanish newspaper.

 

The newspaper reported that, in light of this political stalemate, many names were put on the table to succeed Abbas.

Overall, the ideal candidate is Marwan Barghouti, 62, who made his career in the National Liberation Movement (Fatah). But he has been in an Israeli prison since 2002, after he was sentenced to five life sentences.

Opinion polls show that Barghouti is the most popular and attractive politician, as he supports a peace solution.

But he also supports the use of armed resistance until “Israel” agrees to withdraw from the occupied territories.

The newspaper added that the second candidate is the current prime minister, Mohammad Shtayyeh.

Shtayyeh, 63, is considered a moderate politician and is likely to continue Abbas’ mission, that is, do nothing but empty statements, the newspaper says.

His problem is that he does not enjoy much support and lacks the charisma and the right qualities to hold the presidency.

The newspaper reported that the third candidate is Mohammed Dahlan, an ambitious 59-year-old politician who worked under Arafat but was expelled by current Fatah President Mahmoud Abbas on charges of spying for “Israel.”

Since 2011, when Abbas accused him of participating in Arafat’s death, he has lived in lavish exile in the United Arab Emirates, where he manages the relationships that matter to him.

In general, Dahlan is undoubtedly the preferred candidate for “Israel,” but he will most likely lead the Palestinians into civil war, according to the newspaper’s assessment.