Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has been the target of growing criticism due to the continuous IDF activity in the West Bank and the wave of arrests and assassinations of Palestinian operatives, Israel Hayom has learned.
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"In many aspects, Israel is doing the authority's dirty work," one Palestinian official said. On the one hand, Abbas "enjoys this, but on the other, he allows Israel to operate freely in Palestinian cities. If Israel oversteps, it may result in a riot against him."
Although condemnation letters are now a daily occurrence at Abbas' office, Palestinians see this as mere lip service. Following the elimination of the head of al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades Ibrahim Nablusi and two others last week, they accused the leadership of collaborating with Israel and allowing for Palestinian blood to be shed.
Where are the Palestinian security forces? Why don't they prevent Israel's actions? Instead of helping our young people in the Palestinian struggle and standing up to the Israeli forces, the PA and the security forces disappear, one Palestinian said.
Palestinian authorities refrain from operating in some areas of Nablus that are known hubs of terrorism and are challenged every time security personnel enter to carry out arrests and other activities.
They are met with gunfire, which results in injuries on both sides. Palestinian sources claim it is not a question of inability but unwillingness. The PA is not interested in confronting the operatives and declaring the war on many who identify with Abbas' Fatah movement.
Abbas cannot order the security forces to force their way into the camps and completely disarm the operatives. If he does, he will be seen as someone who works against the Palestinian struggle.
Public criticism is not Abbas' sole concern. Massive activity by the IDF puts him in trouble, and if he continues to watch from the sidelines, he may risk an uprising against his leadership.
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