Mahmoud Abbas may quit as Palestinian Authority president if the Annapolis peace parley fails, top Israeli analysts believe.
Ha’aretz on Wednesday quoted a secret Military Intelligence report as saying that the upcoming U.S.-hosted conference in Annapolis, Md., is unlikely to deliver results given the weakness of the Palestinian Authority after its break with Hamas.
Israel has demanded that the Palestinian Authority honor its commitment under the U.S.-led peace “road map” to dismantle terrorist groups in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, but the feasibility of this is in doubt given Hamas’ control of Gaza and the disarray in Abbas’ security forces.
According to Ha’aretz, Military Intelligence, which prepares situation reports for the Israeli government, also predicted that Abbas could quit if Annapolis is a disappointment for Palestinians.
Military officials declined comment. Abbas has hinted that he will not seek re-election but has not openly threatened to step down.
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