Why PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas decided to appoint a deputy
By Yoni Ben Menachem
web posted March 17, 2025
The PLO's Central Council is set to convene in mid-month to approve the creation of the new position of Palestinian Authority (PA) Deputy Chairman. The council serves as the body linking the Executive Committee and the Palestinian National Council (PNC).
Senior Fatah officials claim that the United States is pressuring the PA to appoint Palestinian General Intelligence Chief Majed Faraj as the PA's deputy chairman. Faraj is closely linked to the CIA and maintains extensive security cooperation.
Faraj's opponents within Fatah argue that the candidate must be a member of the movement's Central Committee or the PLO Executive Committee—positions Faraj does not hold. Moreover, Fatah's Central Committee members refuse to add new names to the committee, making it difficult for Faraj to be appointed.
Another name that has surfaced is Hussein Al-Sheikh, a member of Fatah's Central Committee and Secretary-General of the PLO Executive Committee. While Al-Sheikh lacks a security background and does not hold a strong standing within Fatah, he is close to PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and is his loyal confidant.
Fatah insiders believe that Abbas will likely ignore the American demand to appoint Faraj and choose Hussein Al-Sheikh instead.
What Happened Behind the Scenes?
A senior PA official revealed that Abbas's announcement at last week's Arab League summit in Cairo regarding the creation of a new deputy chairman position and amnesty for expelled Fatah officials came after three months of intense discussions within the PA leadership and consultations with Jordan and Egypt.
The decision marks a shift after years of Abbas resisting Arab and American pressures—which began as early as 2013—to appoint a deputy.
As Fatah chairman, Abbas already has a deputy within the movement—Mahmoud Al-Aloul. However, constitutionally, there has never been an official position titled "Deputy PA Chairman" since the PA's establishment.
There are several reasons behind the timing of Abbas's announcement:
- Mounting Regional and U.S. Pressure – Pressures on Abbas have intensified since October 7, 2023. Additionally, this decision was effectively imposed on Abbas after the PA leadership recognized that it was at its weakest point, facing an existential threat or a potential shift in its role amid dramatic regional changes.
- A Prerequisite for the Egyptian-Arab Plan for Gaza – Abbas realized that appointing a deputy was essential for advancing the Egyptian-Arab plan to rehabilitate Gaza and manage it under an independent government sponsored by the PA, with the hope of ultimately regaining control of the Strip.
- Deep Political and Economic Crisis – The PA is grappling with a severe political and economic crisis, which is compelling it to comply with regional and international demands. The United States and moderate Arab states have clarified to Abbas that he must implement substantial reforms within the PA and create a "renewed PA."
- The 'Trump Effect' – Abbas is highly concerned about U.S. President Donald Trump and is attempting to appease him.
- Financial Incentives – According to Fatah sources, Abbas received assurances from Arab states and European countries for financial aid in exchange for appointing a deputy chairman and granting amnesty to expelled senior Fatah members. These assurances come after years of frozen aid to the PA due to political considerations and corruption allegations.
Conclusion
The PA is striving to improve its political standing amid Israel's war in Gaza, which necessitates some flexibility in response to regional and international demands for significant reforms within its institutions. Abbas avoided these demands for years, but he is now compelled to adapt to the changing political reality. 
Yoni Ben Menachem, a veteran Arab affairs and diplomatic commentator for Israel Radio and Television, is a senior Middle East analyst for the Jerusalem Center. He served as Director General and Chief Editor of the Israel Broadcasting Authority.
