Abbas designates his close advisor, Hussein Al-Sheikh, as the PLO's vice president, positioning him as a potential contender for his role.
New Appointment in Palestinian Politics: Hussein al-Cheikh Becomes PLO's First Vice President
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas just made a significant move by appointing his close advisor, Hussein al-Cheikh, to the first-ever Vice President role of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) on April 26, as announced by Wasel Abou Youssef, a member of the PLO's Executive Committee. This move hints at his potential succession.
Insights 💡Hussein al-Cheikh, a 64-year-old veteran of Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah movement, spent more than a decade in Israeli prisons and even learned Hebrew during his imprisonment. He has been the Secretary-General of the PLO's Executive Committee since May 2022 and heads its negotiations department.
A Strategic Move by Abbas?According to Aref Jaffal, director of the Al-Marsad electoral monitoring center, the creation of the vice-presidential position aims to "prepare for Abbas's succession." However, some Palestinian factions are concerned about foreign influence. On the contrary, Abbas claims that the move will strengthen Palestinian institutions.
Is al-Cheikh the Man of the Hour?With al-Cheikh's close ties with Israel and the US, he might exert a significant impact on leadership style and policy decisions. If Abbas steps down, al-Cheikh is likely to become the interim head of the PLO and the State of Palestine.
The Future of Palestinian LeadershipThe appointment of al-Cheikh might seem like a strategic move to ensure continuity and relevance in Palestinian leadership, especially during a time when the Palestinian Authority (PA) faces challenges. However, al-Cheikh's popularity among Palestinians has been questioned due to his perceived close ties with Israel, which some view critically. The final decision would depend on future approvals by the PLO's executive committee and potential elections within the Palestinian Authority.
- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, having appointed Hussein al-Cheikh as the first Vice President of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), might be hinting at a potential succession.
- Hussein al-Cheikh, the new Vice President of the PLO, heads its negotiations department and previously served as the Secretary-General of the PLO's Executive Committee, a role he assumed in May 2022.
- The creation of the vice-presidential position is seen as a strategic move to prepare for Abbas's succession, though some Palestinian factions express concerns about foreign interference.
- If Abbas steps down, al-Cheikh is likely to become the interim head of the PLO and the State of Palestine, given his close ties with Israel and the US, which might have a significant impact on leadership style and policy decisions.
- The future of Palestinian leadership remains uncertain, as al-Cheikh's popularity among Palestinians has been questioned and the final decision would depend on future approvals by the PLO's executive committee and potential elections within the Palestinian Authority.
