Overview

• Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has appointed Hussein al-Sheikh as Vice President of the PLO and Deputy Chairman of the Palestinian Authority, solidifying him as Abbas’s designated successor.
• The PLO Central Council approved the creation of the vice-presidential role just days before al-Sheikh’s appointment, ensuring a clear line of succession without requiring an election in the event of Abbas’s death.
• Al-Sheikh, a long-time Fatah member and Abbas confidant, is known for his close ties to Israel and is viewed by some as a potential reformer within Palestinian institutions.
• Saudi Arabia and major international donors have welcomed the move as a step toward reform, with further financial support tied to broader political and institutional changes.
• The PLO’s structure excludes Gaza-based groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad, highlighting persistent divisions in Palestinian politics as the Gaza conflict continues.