Look who's back: Mohammed Dahlan is again the strongman in the neighborhood

A profile of Mohammed Dahlan, who returned to the political forefront following the announcement of the agreement to implement the second phase of the arrangement in Gaza. Dahlan, formerly head of the Preventive Security Service, is seen as an alternative to Abu Mazen and as having influence in the Strip, and even leads in polls over Marwan Barghouti and Hamas candidates. The article examines his methods of operation, his regional ties, and his real weight in the Palestinian arena.

Mohammed Dahlan, known as Abu Fadi, has returned to the political forefront following the announcement of the agreement to implement the second phase of the arrangement in Gaza. Dahlan, formerly head of the Preventive Security Service in Gaza, is seen as an alternative to Abu Mazen and as having influence in the Strip. The article presents his methods: he is increasing civilian aid efforts through an Emirati fund, deepening ties with clans, and maintaining close contact with the technocrat government in Cairo. A poll by the AWRAD Institute from last May found that 38% of Gazans would vote for him for president, compared to 21% for Marwan Barghouti and 14% for Hussein al-Sheikh. Dahlan faced criticism over Israel's return to fighting after he announced the imminent end of the strikes, but according to his associates, he is the key to the breakthrough. His real weight remains a mystery due to the absence of elections for 20 years.