This week, Abbas dispatched three close associates to engage in political and security discussions in Jordan, including a meeting with Barbara Leaf, the US Assistant Secretary of State.
Leading the delegation was Hussein al-Sheikh, Secretary General of the PLO Executive Committee, accompanied by Majed Faraj, the head of Palestinian intelligence, and Majdi Al-Khaldi, political advisor to Mahmoud Abbas.
Prominent PA officials have disclosed that Hussein al-Sheikh pledged to Barbara Leaf that the PA would finalize the process of rejuvenation and reforms within the PA by year-end.
This initiative aims to infuse fresh perspectives into the PA’s institutions across all sectors, thereby strengthening its standing among Palestinians.
Over the past two years, the Biden administration has applied significant pressure on Abbas to initiate a comprehensive transformation of the Palestinian Authority’s structures, minimizing corruption, and enhancing its security forces to combat terrorism.
Abbas, however, resorted to delay tactics, leading to a loss of PA’s security control in northern Samaria.
This power vacuum further bolstered armed terrorist groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad, while Iran’s financial and weaponry support amplified their influence.
In response to stern criticism from the Biden administration and heightened IDF activity in northern Samaria, Abbas initiated a series of measures to appease the American administration and counteract the censure. These steps are geared toward renewing legitimacy for his leadership.
In the preceding month, Abbas ousted twelve governors in Judea, Samaria, and the Gaza Strip, alongside facilitating a round of ambassadorial exchanges abroad.
Sources within the PA suggest that Muhammad Ishtayeh’s government could soon be replaced, or at the very least, a ministerial reshuffling might occur.
Ziad Abu Amru, former foreign minister, and Muhammad Mustafa, head of the Palestinian Investment Fund, are considered potential candidates to replace Ishtayeh.
PA insiders contend that the failure of the Ishtayeh government tarnished its reputation on the Palestinian streets, weakening its position and facilitating Hamas’ victory in student council elections at major universities in Judea and Samaria.
Hussein al-Sheikh has assured Barbara Leaf of the PA’s intention to maintain security coordination with both Israel and the US. Recently, a group of PA security officers completed a CIA security course in Virginia.
Revamping Palestinian Security Mechanisms
Jordan also shares the US’ concerns regarding Mahmoud Abbas, evident during the August 8th meeting between King Abdullah and Abbas in Amman.
Jordan expressed deep apprehensions to the Biden administration about the waning influence of the Palestinian Authority and the potential for its collapse, which could destabilize the Hashemite kingdom.
Jordan’s intelligence chief, Ahmed Housni, underscored the importance of avoiding the PA’s collapse due to its repercussions on regional stability.
In response to Jordan’s counsel, Abbas has embraced a comprehensive overhaul of the PA’s security mechanisms.
Majed Faraj, the head of Palestinian intelligence, reported to Abbas that certain senior security officers within the PA who are loyal to Fatah officials Jibril Rajoub and Tawfik Al-Tirawi, involved in the succession battle, perceive Abbas as weak.
These officers have been lax in their duties, allowing security instability to persist, possibly to undermine a faction close to Abbas and failing to counter terrorism and arms smuggling from Jordan to northern Samaria.
With Abbas’ endorsement, Majed Faraj is planning substantial changes within Palestinian security mechanisms. Insiders in the Fatah movement suggest that a significant purge is in the works, entailing the mandatory retirement of multiple officers and the elevation of young officers loyal to Abbas.
This week, Abbas dispatched three close associates to engage in political and security discussions in Jordan, including a meeting with Barbara Leaf, the US Assistant Secretary of State.
Leading the delegation was Hussein al-Sheikh, Secretary General of the PLO Executive Committee, accompanied by Majed Faraj, the head of Palestinian intelligence, and Majdi Al-Khaldi, political advisor to Mahmoud Abbas.
Prominent PA officials have disclosed that Hussein al-Sheikh pledged to Barbara Leaf that the PA would finalize the process of rejuvenation and reforms within the PA by year-end.
This initiative aims to infuse fresh perspectives into the PA’s institutions across all sectors, thereby strengthening its standing among Palestinians.
Over the past two years, the Biden administration has applied significant pressure on Abbas to initiate a comprehensive transformation of the Palestinian Authority’s structures, minimizing corruption, and enhancing its security forces to combat terrorism.
Abbas, however, resorted to delay tactics, leading to a loss of PA’s security control in northern Samaria.
This power vacuum further bolstered armed terrorist groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad, while Iran’s financial and weaponry support amplified their influence.
In response to stern criticism from the Biden administration and heightened IDF activity in northern Samaria, Abbas initiated a series of measures to appease the American administration and counteract the censure. These steps are geared toward renewing legitimacy for his leadership.
In the preceding month, Abbas ousted twelve governors in Judea, Samaria, and the Gaza Strip, alongside facilitating a round of ambassadorial exchanges abroad.
Sources within the PA suggest that Muhammad Ishtayeh’s government could soon be replaced, or at the very least, a ministerial reshuffling might occur.
Ziad Abu Amru, former foreign minister, and Muhammad Mustafa, head of the Palestinian Investment Fund, are considered potential candidates to replace Ishtayeh.
PA insiders contend that the failure of the Ishtayeh government tarnished its reputation on the Palestinian streets, weakening its position and facilitating Hamas’ victory in student council elections at major universities in Judea and Samaria.
Hussein al-Sheikh has assured Barbara Leaf of the PA’s intention to maintain security coordination with both Israel and the US. Recently, a group of PA security officers completed a CIA security course in Virginia.
Revamping Palestinian Security Mechanisms
Jordan also shares the US’ concerns regarding Mahmoud Abbas, evident during the August 8th meeting between King Abdullah and Abbas in Amman.
Jordan expressed deep apprehensions to the Biden administration about the waning influence of the Palestinian Authority and the potential for its collapse, which could destabilize the Hashemite kingdom.
Jordan’s intelligence chief, Ahmed Housni, underscored the importance of avoiding the PA’s collapse due to its repercussions on regional stability.
In response to Jordan’s counsel, Abbas has embraced a comprehensive overhaul of the PA’s security mechanisms.
Majed Faraj, the head of Palestinian intelligence, reported to Abbas that certain senior security officers within the PA who are loyal to Fatah officials Jibril Rajoub and Tawfik Al-Tirawi, involved in the succession battle, perceive Abbas as weak.
These officers have been lax in their duties, allowing security instability to persist, possibly to undermine a faction close to Abbas and failing to counter terrorism and arms smuggling from Jordan to northern Samaria.
With Abbas’ endorsement, Majed Faraj is planning substantial changes within Palestinian security mechanisms. Insiders in the Fatah movement suggest that a significant purge is in the works, entailing the mandatory retirement of multiple officers and the elevation of young officers loyal to Abbas.
