In Ramallah, West Bank, Hussein al-Sheikh has been appointed as the vice president of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which is acknowledged globally as the representative entity of the Palestinian people.
This latest development positions al-Sheikh, who is 64, as a foremost candidate to potentially succeed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who is currently 89. Nevertheless, this transition is not yet certain. The new appointment is aligned with recent reforms by Abbas aimed at gaining international support and preparing to have a stake in the future of Gaza following conflict.
Al-Sheikh is a seasoned politician with a substantial background, including his origins in the West Bank city of Ramallah. He has long been one of Abbas’s trusted aides and confidantes. With decades of political experience, he most recently assumed the role of secretary-general of the PLO’s influential executive committee, where he has served for the last three years. The PLO’s oversight extends to the Palestinian Authority, which manages semi-autonomous territories within the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Al-Sheikh plays a crucial role as the primary liaison with Israel regarding civilian matters.
His experience is deepened by his past imprisonment of 11 years in Israeli jails during his youth, a time when he learned Hebrew. His background as a veteran of the Palestinian security forces may enhance his standing with security personnel and the general public.
Holding control over civilian affairs renders al-Sheikh one of the most powerful figures within the Palestinian Authority. His responsibilities include the issuance of essential travel permits for Palestinians needing to work in or access medical services in Israel. This role grants him significant influence over the daily lives of Palestinians and creates dependencies among his political adversaries for maintaining their own privileges.
However, his position is not without controversy. Many view the Palestinian Authority as inefficient and complicit with Israeli governance over the West Bank, and al-Sheikh is central to this perception. During a 2022 interview, he expressed that cooperation with Israel was necessary under challenging circumstances to assist Palestinians.
Despite domestic unpopularity, al-Sheikh could capitalize on international relationships he has nurtured through time. Although Israel does not regard Abbas as genuine regarding peace efforts, and excludes him from potential Gaza developments, al-Sheikh maintains a favorable working relationship with Israeli counterparts.
He has represented Abbas in global discussions with affluent Gulf Arab nations, integral for financing Gaza’s reconstruction, and engaged with the United States. Earlier this year, al-Sheikh conducted talks with President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, in Saudi Arabia.
Although his appointment positions al-Sheikh as a probable successor to Abbas, the presidency is not guaranteed. Because Abbas retains full authority over his vice president, he has the power to dismiss him if deemed necessary.
Should Abbas either pass away or become unable to fulfill his duties, al-Sheikh would assume the presidency on an interim basis. The decision for a permanent leader would lie with the PLO’s executive committee, and within this group of competitors and hopefuls for the presidency, al-Sheikh’s elevation is not assured.