Palestinian Authority to make 'sweeping changes' in West Bank leadership: Report
The ruling body in the West Bank is facing a severe legitimacy crisis over corruption accusations and its long-standing collaboration with the Israeli government
The President of the Palestinian Authority (PA), Mahmoud Abbas, is planning sweeping changes within “the official Palestinian bodies and security services and Fatah leadership,” according to informed sources that spoke with Saudi-owned daily Asharq Al-Awsat.
The report states the reshuffle will include changes in at least five ministries, the appointment of 12 new governors, and the removal of 30 ambassadors.
These changes will be followed by Fatah’s eighth congress, which is expected to see the selection of a new central committee and revolutionary council as well as the choosing of a new leader to replace 87-year-old Abbas.
Last month, Abbas dismissed the majority of the governors in the occupied West Bank, allegedly in response to popular demands for a political shakeup following years of discontent.
They included the governors of Jenin, Nablus, and Tulkarem – where resistance factions have gained a significant foothold and often confront invading Israeli troops.
Abbas' decree also resulted in the removal of four governors in the Gaza Strip, whose positions have been mainly symbolic since the PA lost its influence there.
Discontent against the PA in the West Bank has been growing exponentially in recent years, as Palestinians generally consider the organization a tool Israel uses to further the occupation.
A March 2022 poll conducted by the Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip showed that only 27 percent of people were satisfied with the performance of the PA, while “dissatisfaction” was at 70 percent.
The poll further showed that 73 percent of Palestinians want Abbas to resign, while only 23 percent want him to remain in office.