Abbas again postpones elections – and tries to blame Israel
Less than two months before their scheduled date, Mahmoud Abbas postpones the Palestinian Authority parliamentary elections, which were set to take place on November 28, 2026. His deputy, Hussein al-Sheikh, informed France that the delay is due to the deteriorating situation in Judea and Samaria. Abbas, who blames Israel, is expected to close over 21 years without elections.
Less than two months before their scheduled date, Mahmoud Abbas postpones the Palestinian Authority parliamentary elections, which were set to take place on November 28, 2026. His deputy, Hussein al-Sheikh, informed France that the delay is due to the deteriorating situation in Judea and Samaria, citing 'disturbances' by Jewish residents and a delay in the transfer of Palestinian funds by Israel. Abbas, who blames Israel, is expected to close over 21 years without elections. However, the real reason is likely a new political force of Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Judea and Samaria, which formed an 'unexpected election coalition' with former Fatah official Mohammed Dahlan in an effort to topple Abbas's rule. The organizations hoped to use the rare elections to gain control over Judea and Samaria. Abbas, who will celebrate his 91st birthday next month, has not held elections since coming to power in 2005. Analysts in the Arab media believe that even after his death, this conduct will continue.