[Jerusalem Post] Yaakov Katz - The IDF Central Command has held a series of exercises in recent weeks to prepare units for possible violence in the West Bank after Mahmoud Abbas' term of office ends. Abbas is scheduled to complete his term on January 9. Under the current Palestinian constitution, without elections he will be succeeded by the speaker or deputy speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council. Both men are senior members of Hamas. Earlier this week, Palestinian media reported that Abbas plans to dissolve the PLC and set up an emergency government which would then extend his term for another year. Due to the IDF's presence in the West Bank, the Israel Security Agency believes that Hamas will not succeed in overthrowing Fatah, but it could launch attacks against Fatah's offices or even try to assassinate some of its leaders.
2008-09-12 01:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive