Yoni Ben Menachem's Blog - נושא: The Palestinian Arena

What Lies Behind the Temporary Appointment of Hussein al-Sheikh as President of the PA?

4 November 2025

According to senior Fatah officials, Hussein al-Sheikh was appointed as the interim President of the PA under American pressure and with Israel’s approval, in order to maintain PA stability and help President Trump advance his peace initiative.
They argue that the appointment is intended to strengthen al-Sheikh’s position amid the possibility that his bitter rival Marwan Barghouti may soon be released from prison.

Why Did the PA President Reinstated Nasser al-Kidwa into Fatah?

21 October 2025

Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas’s decision to reinstate Nasser al-Kidwa, the nephew of Yasser Arafat, into Fatah marks a clear attempt to project openness and reform within the movement amid growing international pressure and calls to renew the PA’s legitimacy.

The return of the veteran diplomat is expected to strengthen Fatah’s standing both domestically and internationally, pave the way for potential reconciliation with Hamas, and serve as a response to mounting criticism of Abbas’s centralized and allegedly corrupt leadership in Ramallah.

Hamas’s Strategy: Survival at All Costs

10 June 2025

Senior security officials state that Hamas is facing an unprecedented strategic crisis, yet it is determined to survive in the Gaza Strip at any cost and refuses to surrender.

Could the Possible Assassination of Mohammed Sinwar Advance a Hostage Deal?

14 May 2025

The defense establishment assesses that the likelihood is increasing that Mohammed Sinwar was indeed killed in the Israeli Air Force strike in Khan Younis.
A senior security official estimates that it is still too early to determine how the assassination attempt will impact the negotiations for the release of the hostages.

Security Officials: PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas’s Status in the Arab Arena Has Weakened Significantly

28 February 2025

Senior security officials state that the status of PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas in the Arab arena has significantly weakened, and they estimate that he is nearing the end of his rule. Last weekend, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman convened a small-scale summit to discuss the future of the Gaza Strip, yet PA Chairman Abbas was not invited.

Hamas Prepared for the Collapse of the Hostage Deal and Resumption of Fighting

24 February 2025

Hamas and Islamic Jihad anticipate that the ongoing hostage deal will soon collapse due to Israel’s stance and the support of the Trump administration. In response, they are coordinating with Iran to prepare for renewed fighting.

Trump Breaks the Taboo: Transfer Returns to Political Discourse

13 February 2025

Israel’s security establishment is preparing to implement President Donald Trump’s immigration plan, which would allow residents of the Gaza Strip to leave voluntarily for destinations abroad.
Trump has dismantled long-standing taboos surrounding the Palestinian issue, granting renewed legitimacy to the term “transfer.”

President Trump Stands Firmly with Israel Against Hamas

11 February 2025

President Trump has taken an unequivocal stance in support of Israel following Hamas’s announcement that it is postponing the release of Israeli hostages.
In response, Trump has threatened severe consequences if the hostages are not freed, declaring, “If all the hostages are not released by Saturday at 12:00 noon, I would cancel the ceasefire and let all hell break loose.”

President Trump’s New Regional Order

2 February 2025

Senior political officials assert that this week’s meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump at the White House marks a significant step toward shaping a new regional order in the Middle East.
The Arab world views Trump’s plan for the migration of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip as a crucial test of his ability to implement his broader vision for the region.

The Israeli Mossad is Prepared to Thwart Terrorist Attacks Abroad by Those Released in the Hostage Deal

27 January 2025

Deporting the terrorists abroad presents a significant challenge for the Israeli Mossad, which will endeavor to prevent their terrorist activities against the State of Israel.
Some of the terrorists will arrive in Istanbul, Turkey, where the military wing of Hamas operates under the auspices of Turkish intelligence and President Erdogan.

The Palestinian Arena

What Lies Behind the Temporary Appointment of Hussein al-Sheikh as President of the PA?

Why Did the PA President Reinstated Nasser al-Kidwa into Fatah?

Hamas’s Strategy: Survival at All Costs

Could the Possible Assassination of Mohammed Sinwar Advance a Hostage Deal?

Security Officials: PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas’s Status in the Arab Arena Has Weakened Significantly

Hamas Prepared for the Collapse of the Hostage Deal and Resumption of Fighting

Trump Breaks the Taboo: Transfer Returns to Political Discourse

President Trump Stands Firmly with Israel Against Hamas

President Trump’s New Regional Order

The Israeli Mossad is Prepared to Thwart Terrorist Attacks Abroad by Those Released in the Hostage Deal

What Lies Behind the Temporary Appointment of Hussein al-Sheikh as President of the PA?

Why Did the PA President Reinstated Nasser al-Kidwa into Fatah?

Hamas’s Strategy: Survival at All Costs

Could the Possible Assassination of Mohammed Sinwar Advance a Hostage Deal?

Security Officials: PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas’s Status in the Arab Arena Has Weakened Significantly

Hamas Prepared for the Collapse of the Hostage Deal and Resumption of Fighting

Trump Breaks the Taboo: Transfer Returns to Political Discourse

President Trump Stands Firmly with Israel Against Hamas

President Trump’s New Regional Order

The Israeli Mossad is Prepared to Thwart Terrorist Attacks Abroad by Those Released in the Hostage Deal

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