Israel's Foreign Minister Accuses Abbas of Deceiving World Over Elections
Translated & summarized from Channel 9 by baba
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar accused Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas of deceiving the international community by once again postponing scheduled elections. The Palestinian legislative elections, initially set for November 28, have been delayed due to unfavorable political, economic, and security conditions, with a potential new date in September 2027. This marks the latest in a series of postponements for both legislative and presidential elections, with the last legislative vote occurring in 2006. Sa'ar also criticized Abbas for unfulfilled reform promises regarding "pay-for-slay" payments and education, urging greater international pressure.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar accused Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas of deceiving the international community by postponing elections.
- Palestinian legislative elections, scheduled for November 28, have been postponed due to political, economic, and security concerns.
- A potential new date for the Palestinian elections is being considered for the first half of September 2027.
- Mahmoud Abbas has governed the Palestinian Authority by decree since his presidential term ended in 2009, with elections repeatedly delayed.
- Sa'ar also criticized Abbas for failing to implement reforms on 'pay-for-slay' payments and education.
- France insists on holding elections to renew the legitimacy of Palestinian leadership.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has accused Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas of misleading the international community by again postponing promised elections. Sa'ar's criticism, posted on social media platform X, followed the decision to delay the Palestinian legislative elections that had been scheduled for November 28. "Mahmoud Abbas is fooling the international community by canceling once again promised elections," Sa'ar wrote. "They keep deceiving. Consequences? Not for the corrupt PA!"
The postponement was communicated by Abbas's deputy, Hussein al-Sheikh, to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot in a letter dated October 8. The letter stated that political, economic, and security conditions necessary for holding elections in November had not materialized. Palestinian officials cited significant obstacles to conducting free and fair elections, recommending a postponement of several months and continued dialogue among Palestinian factions. A new timeframe being considered is the first half of September 2027, pending a formal decision by Abbas.
Concerns about the November elections had surfaced earlier, citing difficulties in organizing them in Gaza and East Jerusalem, as well as disagreements among Palestinian political factions. Representatives from Fatah, Hamas, and other factions reportedly discussed the postponement in Cairo, with some suggesting a prior agreement on a political program and unified Palestinian representation was needed. The last Palestinian legislative elections, which included Gaza, were held in 2006, resulting in a Hamas victory. Hamas subsequently took full control of Gaza in 2007, leading to a political split that has left the Palestinian Legislative Council largely defunct.
Mahmoud Abbas, elected president in 2005, was due to leave office in 2009 but has continued to govern the Palestinian Authority by decree, with presidential elections also repeatedly postponed. Sa'ar also criticized the Palestinian Authority's failure to implement other promised reforms, including those related to "pay-for-slay" payments to terrorists and their families, and the content of the Palestinian school curriculum. Sa'ar believes the international community is not exerting enough pressure on the PA to fulfill its commitments.
France, meanwhile, insists on holding elections, viewing them as crucial for renewing the legitimacy of Palestinian leadership. Paris had previously received a written commitment from Abbas to organize the vote. The latest postponement could further complicate the Palestinian Authority's relations with international donors.
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