Former Hamas Foe Dahlan Reportedly Cooperates with Group, Shaking Palestinian Politics

Recent reports from Arab media indicate a significant political rapprochement between Mohammed Dahlan, once a bitter enemy of Hamas and a senior figure in Palestinian security forces, and the Hamas organization. This developing alliance is seen as a major power play in the looming succession battle for Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.

Dahlan, a controversial figure who was once close to Fatah leadership and headed its Preventive Security Force in Gaza, had a long history of conflict with Hamas. He was also previously arrested by Israel for Fatah activities and later linked to violent confrontations with Hamas. Israeli security officials have accused Dahlan and his forces of involvement in deadly attacks during the Second Intifada, including the 2000 bombing of a bus carrying children, for which an Israeli court later held him liable for damages.

However, the current Palestinian political landscape is fostering new connections. In August, a Hamas delegation met with representatives of Dahlan's faction in Cairo to discuss the future of Palestinian politics and the situation in Gaza. Reports suggest potential broader political cooperation between Dahlan's camp, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad, with Hamas reportedly exploring a political framework to challenge Fatah, including Dahlan's associates.

This potential alliance signifies a major shift in Palestinian power dynamics, uniting historical rivals against the current Fatah leadership. For Hamas, Dahlan offers insider knowledge of the Palestinian system and extensive regional and international connections. For Dahlan, aligning with Hamas could provide a path back to prominence after being sidelined by Fatah.

The development poses a significant political threat to the Palestinian Authority, which has long benefited from the division among its rivals. A unified or coordinated front between Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Dahlan's faction could present a formidable challenge to Fatah. For Israel, this necessitates a reevaluation of assumptions about the post-Abbas era, as the traditional division between the PA as a negotiating partner and Hamas as the primary adversary becomes blurred.