Hamas Seeks Alliances to Challenge Fatah Ahead of Palestinian Legislative Elections

Israeli security and political officials are closely monitoring Hamas as the group faces difficulties competing directly in the upcoming Palestinian legislative elections scheduled for late November 2026. Due to new election regulations requiring candidates to recognize the PLO as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people and adhere to its political program, Hamas is unable to run openly under its own name. Consequently, Hamas is reportedly attempting to form coalitions with other Palestinian factions to undermine Fatah's control in the West Bank.

The Israeli Security Agency (Shin Bet) and political leadership view Hamas as the primary rival in the Palestinian arena, warning that the group is intensifying efforts to expand its terrorist infrastructure, recruit operatives, and incite unrest. The deteriorating economic conditions in the Palestinian territories, combined with weakened Palestinian Authority institutions and widespread distrust of the Ramallah leadership, are seen as factors facilitating Hamas's growing influence.

Israeli officials emphasize the urgency of developing a strategic response to Hamas's potential electoral gains, which could significantly alter the balance of power within Palestinian institutions. This concern is heightened by the fact that these elections would be the first legislative polls since January 2006, when Hamas won a decisive victory over Fatah. The subsequent 2007 conflict led to a political split, with Hamas governing Gaza and Fatah controlling the West Bank, effectively paralyzing the Palestinian Legislative Council.

The new election law also lowered the electoral threshold to 1%, further complicating the political landscape. Israeli discussions indicate that the issue will be addressed at the highest political levels to prevent undesirable outcomes that could strengthen Hamas or its allies in Palestinian governance structures.