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

Yasser Abbas and the Struggle for the Day After Mahmoud Abbas

24 September 2026

Yasser Abbas’s entry into the senior ranks of Fatah marks his entry into the struggle over the post-Mahmoud Abbas era.
Backed by his father, he is building connections and political standing, but he faces opposition within the movement’s leadership, competition from Hussein al-Sheikh, and the question of public legitimacy.
The Gaza Strip could offer him an opportunity to build an independent power base, but it could also become an arena in which Mohammed Dahlan blocks his path.

Naz’a Is Only the Beginning: Israel Needs a National Strategic Influence and Communications System

23 September 2026

Israel possesses extensive intelligence, information and documentation that could be used to confront the international battle over narratives and public perception. Yet it still operates primarily on the defensive.
Senior political and security officials are calling for the establishment of a national strategic influence and communications system that would consolidate existing capabilities and shift Israel from a reactive posture to a proactive one.

Will Mahmoud Abbas Postpone the Elections to the Palestinian Legislative Council?

13 September 2026

Fatah officials believe that Mahmoud Abbas is likely to postpone the elections, with Hussein al-Sheikh pushing for the decision and citing difficulties in Gaza and East Jerusalem.
The real reason, however, may be Abbas’s concern that elections could strengthen Hamas and Mohammed Dahlan and create a new balance of power in the Palestinian arena.

Barghouti Seeks to Turn Prison into a Launchpad for the PA Presidency

11 September 2026

The imprisoned Fatah leader is planning to run for president from inside an Israeli prison, win the election, and then use international pressure to force Israel to release him , while Mahmoud Abbas seeks to block his candidacy and secure control over the post-Abbas political landscape.

Hamas Exposed: Israel Is Changing the Rules of the Game in Gaza

3 September 2026

The capture of Hamas’s internal security chief in the heart of Gaza City is more than a successful operation.
It is a strategic message underscoring that Israel is not returning to full-scale war, but is also not allowing Hamas to exploit the ceasefire to rebuild its military capabilities.

Toward a Third Intifada?

23 August 2026

Despite the escalating tensions in Judea and Samaria and the growing friction between Israeli settlers and Palestinians, neither Israeli security officials nor senior PA figures believe that the conditions for a third intifada currently exist.
Both sides, however, warn that a crisis on the Temple Mount could transform the security landscape within hours.

Hamas Shifts Its Center of Gravity to Turkey

23 July 2026

The devastating blow suffered by Hamas’ leadership in the Gaza Strip has accelerated the organization’s strategic shift toward Istanbul.
From there, its external leadership is now managing diplomatic relations, fundraising, and organizational activities, presenting Israel and the West with a new strategic challenge.

Fatah Conference Pushes Gaza to the Margins

24 May 2026

Fatah’s eighth conference exposed the depth of the movement’s internal divisions and its growing detachment from the Palestinian public in the Gaza Strip.

Fatah Conference Complicates the Succession Battle Within the PA

22 May 2026

The results of Fatah’s 8th General Conference have intensified the succession struggle expected to erupt once PA President Mahmoud Abbas leaves the political stage, while

Hamas Awaits the End of the Iran War While Preparing for Continued Fighting

23 April 2026

While the confrontation with Iran and developments along the northern front occupy both Israel and the United States, Hamas is exploiting the diplomatic stalemate to delay demands for its disarmament.
At the same time, it is working to consolidate its governance in the Gaza Strip, rebuild its military capabilities, and continue terrorist activity against IDF forces, with the aim of preserving its position ahead of the next phase of the regional conflict.

Fatah Conference Complicates the Succession Battle Within the PA

22 May 2026

The results of Fatah’s 8th General Conference have intensified the succession struggle expected to erupt once PA President Mahmoud Abbas leaves the political stage, while