Will Abbas Resign?

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat has denied reports that he called for the dissolution of the Palestinian Authority out of protest against the stalled peace process. However, Erekat affirmed that President Abbas hopes to pressure Israel and the U.S. by threatening to resign, a move that would make Hamas member Abdel Aziz Duaik acting president. Meanwhile, other Palestinian officials have implied that they might resign en masse if settlement construction continues. According to The New York Times, Palestinian officials increasingly believe Abbas is not bluffing: ”given the split with Hamas, frequent accusations of being an Israeli collaborator and the American reversal on a settlement freeze, Mr. Abbas had simply lost any appetite for staying in power.”

Marc Lynch points out that there is little chance there will be an election at all in January, rendering the question of Abbas’ candidacy “rather moot.” The main obstacle to elections remains the failure of Hamas and Fatah to sign a reconciliation deal. If elections are not held, Lynch reminds us that “it doesn’t mean that Abu Mazen [Abbas] is going away.” In fact, it looks like he is prepared to hold on to power, which “certainly won’t help the legitimacy of the Palestinian Authority, contribute to the rule of law or institutional development, or provide a unified and legitimate negotiating partner” for the peace process.

Lynch also points to a comprehensive article on the peace process by Hussein Agha and Robert Malley that also touches upon the current state of Palestinian politics. According to Agha and Malley, Abbas has increasingly immersed himself in “the rhythm of Palestinian politics” and therefore is now more susceptible to public sentiment as he negotiates for a Palestinian state.