Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas officially names Hussein al-Sheikh as successor

Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas signed a presidential decree on Sunday announcing that his deputy, Hussein al-Sheikh, will be his successor on the day he dies. 

According to an official statement from the Palestinian Authority, under the presidential decree signed by Abbas, al-Sheikh is expected to assume his position for a period of 90 days, “if the Legislative Council does not convene, and until free elections are held throughout the territories.”

According to the decree, if elections cannot be held, his term may be extended.

In practice, the decree constitutes a final confirmation of Hussein al-Sheikh’s appointment as Abbas' successor. 

Al-Sheikh, 65 years old and born in Ramallah, is one of Abbas’ closest associates within the Palestinian Authority leadership.

From 2007 until recently, he headed the General Authority of Civil Affairs, the main PA body responsible for coordination with Israel, and in this capacity he maintained extensive ties with Israel and its various authorities.

During that period, he effectively controlled the distribution of the tax revenues that Israel collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, as well as the entry permits granted to Palestinians to go into Israel — powers that gave him significant influence.

Since the death of Saeb Erekat in 2020, al-Sheikh has served as Secretary-General of the PLO Executive Committee, a position that placed him at the heart of the PA leadership. 

Among his many critics, Abbas’ designated successor is viewed as a symbol of the Palestinian Authority’s corruption and decay, due to multiple corruption scandals and even allegations of sexual misconduct linked to his name.

To a large extent, he is seen by critics of the PA as a symbol of collaboration with Israel.

Al-Sheikh is also considered one of the wealthiest figures in the Palestinian Authority, having accumulated his fortune through ownership of quarries, convenience store chains, and gas stations, among other ventures.