Key Points
Over the past few years, Hussein al-Sheikh (see Appendix – Personal Profile) has risen quickly through the Palestinian political hierarchy, largely because of his closeness to Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen). In 2022, Abu Mazen appointed him secretary-general of the PLO Executive Committee and head of the organization’s negotiations department following the death of Saeb Erekat. Later, in April 2025, Abu Mazen announced al-Sheikh’s appointment as deputy chairman of the Executive Committee and the Palestinian Authority. In October 2025, a presidential decree named al-Sheikh as Abu Mazen’s acting replacement in the event he becomes incapacitated. Together, these steps position him as Abu Mazen’s likely successor.
Knowledgeable sources in Ramallah say Abu Mazen’s most recent decree (October 2025) was intended to preserve the stability and functioning of the Palestinian Authority during the current period of turbulance. According to these sources, Abbas’s decisions over the past year were driven by pressure from the United States and Israel and by a desire to prevent the possible election of Marwan Barghouti, who consistently enjoys far greater support in Palestinian opinion polls than either Abu Mazen or al-Sheikh, who lag far behind (more than 80 percent of those polled said Abu Mazen should step down).
A review of Hussein al-Sheikh’s presence on social media and in Palestinian and Arab media shows that he is a polarizing figure among Palestinians. Some express strong admiration for him and see him as the next Palestinian leader after Abu Mazen; many others view him as “a symbol of corruption and governmental decay” and as “a traitor and Shin Bet agent,” because of his long-standing responsibility for civil and security coordination with Israel.
At this stage, it appears that despite the negative image al-Sheikh has accrued over the years, most actors in the region prefer to maintain the Palestinian Authority’s stability and avoid a succession struggle within Fatah. They therefore suport al-Sheikh in the hope of ensuring a smooth transfer of authority should Abu Mazen become incapacitated. For now, al-Sheikh is already assuming a larger role (effectively replacing the 90-year-old president) in most meetings with international and Arab officials as preparations for “the day after” in Gaza move forward, including efforts to secure financial assistance for the Palestinian Authority.
Abu Mazen’s Presidential Decree (October 26, 2025)
On October 26, 2025, Abu Mazen issued a presidential decree stating that Hussein al-Sheikh, deputy chairman of the PLO Executive Committee and deputy chairman of the Palestinian Authority, would temporarily serve as Chairman of the Palestinian Authority for 90 days if the office became vacant and in the absence of a legislative council. During this period, direct elections would be held to choose a new chairman. In the event that an elections is not held, the PLO Central Council would extend his term once only until elections take place. In the decree, Abu Mazen wrote that the measure was intended to preserve the Authority’s continuity and functioning during this sensitive period.[1]
Knowledgable sources in Ramallah who spoke on October 26 with Kifah Ziboun, the Ramallah correspondent for the London-based newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, said the decree was necessary and intended to ensure the Authority’s stability and guarantee a smooth transfer of power with clearly defined sources of authority.[2]
Al-Sheikh’s Appointment as Abu Mazen’s Deputy (April 26, 2025)
On April 2026, 2025, during a meeting of the PLO Executive Committee in Ramallah, Abu Mazen announced the appointment of Hussein al-Sheikh as deputy chairman of the Executive Committee and deputy chairman of the Palestinian Authority. The announcement noted that the appointment had been approved on April 24 by the PLO Central Council.[3]
Following the appointment, Hamas issued an official statement condemning the move as a reprehensible step taken in response to external dictates and without Palestinian consensus, saying it deepens internal division. According to Hamas, the Palestinian public’s top priorities are confronting Israel and ending the war in Gaza — not handing out jobs.[4]
Dr. Anis Qassem, an expert in international law, said in an April 27 interview with Al Jazeera that the appointment is illegal and violates Palestinian law, arguing that Abu Mazen — whose term ended years ago — has no authority to make such appointments. Therefore, Qassem stressed, the appointment is null and void.[5]
Al-Sheikh’s Portrayal on Social Media and in Palestinian and Arab Media
A review of Hussein al-Sheikh’s presence on social media and in Palestinian and pan-Arab media shows that he is a polarizing figure on the Palestinian street. While some express strong admiration for him and view him as the next Palestinian leader after Abu Mazen, many others see him as “a symbol of corruption and governmental decay” and as “a traitor and Shin Bet agent” because of his many years overseeing civil and security coordination with Israel. In Palestinian opinion polls, he receives very low levels of public support, similar to Abu Mazen (whom 80 percent of the Palestinian public would like to see resign), while Marwan Barghouti enjoys significantly higher support. Following are the main points that emerge from a review of al-Sheikh in Palestinian and pan-Arab media:
- Warm congratulations for Hussein al-Sheikh — Following the publication of Abu Mazen’s presidential decree on October 26, some 500 congratulatory messages, words of encouragement, and expressions of support for both Abu Mazen and al-Sheikh appeared on Abu Mazen’s Facebook page. Many users wrote: “Much appreciation,” “Great success,” “A thousand blessings to brother Abu Jihad (Al-Sheikh),” “Brother Abu Jihad deserves this precious trust.”[6] On 1 December, al-Sheikh posted an official statement thanking Saudi Arabia for providing $90 million in financial assistance to the Authority, prompting further praise such as: “O Abu Jihad, leader of the Arabs,” “All respect and appreciation to you.”[7]
- A dominant figure in the Authority — In recent years, Hussein al-Sheikh has been regarded as one of the strongest figures in the Palestinian Authority and very close to Abu Mazen. Various actors argued that he is the most suitable person to lead the PA today because of his ties with Israel and the United States. He is considered the “chief architect” of security coordination with Israel. His selection as successor came under pressure from the United States and Israel.
- Close ties with Majed Faraj, head of General Intelligence — Majed Faraj is the senior PA official responsible for security coordination with Israel’s Shin Bet and for counter-terrorism. The security apparatus he leads directs the PA’s campaign against Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad operatives in Judea and Samaria. He commands thousands of armed Palestinian security personnel and advanced intelligence-collection systems provided by the United States and Europe. Faraj enjoys close ties with Israel’s Shin Bet and with the CIA.[8] He supports Hussein al-Sheikh and is considered one of his closest confidants. Together with Abu Mazen, al-Sheikh and Faraj lead the effort to prevent the release of Marwan Barghouti from prison, where he is held by Israel, and form a central axis opposing Abbas’s rivals in Fatah—Jibril Rajoub and Mahmoud al-Aloul.
- Abbas’s trusted confidant — Since 2017, al-Sheikh, together with Faraj, has served as Abu Mazen’s gatekeeper and has been part of his inner circle. In this role, al-Sheikh accompanies Abbas on most foreign trips and has become the person Abbas trusts and consults with. Palestinian commentators believe that al-Sheikh’s growing closeness to Abbas’s family, his strong ties with Israeli officials, and the fact that he has consistently refrained from challenging Abbas are the key reasons he has been chosen as his designated successor.
- A controversial figure on the Palestinian street — His close ties with Israel have made al-Sheikh a divisive figure. Critics argue that his approach does not advance the establishment of a Palestinian state and that his “rise” concentrates power within a small circle loyal to Abbas that benefits from its ties to Israel.[9] His heavily secured visit in early April 2025 to Yasser Arafat’s grave at the Muqata’a in Ramallah drew widespread criticism; he was filmed arriving with a large motorcade and armed guards, provoking public anger against him.[10]
- An “agent and traitor” — An investigative report on the UK-based Rasd channel referred to him, after his appointment as Abbas’s deputy, as “Tel Aviv’s man in Ramallah.” Many commenters on the channel’s YouTube report wrote that al-Sheikh is an “agent” and viewed as a traitor by the Palestinian public. Some commented: “A deputy with the rank of agent”, “He and Dahlan killed Yasser Arafat.”[11] Others wrote: “A traitor handing over to a traitor,” “Shin Bet agent,” “Deputy head of a security company paid by the Israeli occupation.”[12]
- A “symbol of corruption and governmental decay” — This reputation has followed al-Sheikh since his tenure as head of the PA Civil Affairs Authority. He is seen as someone who arranged jobs in the PA for close associates in exchange for money. There were also several allegations of sexual harassment by female employees in his Ramallah office; these cases were closed with Abbas’s full knowledge and support. Social media features photos of him dancing with women at parties. Many commenters emphasised that al-Sheikh is “tainted by corruption” due to the money he earned from selling entry permits during his time as head of Civil Affairs.[13] After his appointment, residents wrote of him: “From thief to thief,” “The drunk and the sexual harasser.”[14]
- Low levels of public support — Public-opinion surveys conducted over the past two years show extremely low support for al-Sheikh. A poll conducted by The Guardian in May 2025 found that only two percent of Palestinians support him.[15] Another survey (May 2025) by the PCPO institute, headed by Dr Nabil Kukali, found that just 19 percent of Palestinians support al-Sheikh’s appointment as Abbas’s deputy.[16] Similar findings appeared in a December 2023 PCPSR poll in Ramallah, headed by Dr Khalil Shikaki. For example, al-Sheikh received only one percent support, compared with 36 percent for Marwan Barghouti and 19 percent for Ismail Haniyeh.[17]
- Dissatisfaction with al-Sheikh’s promotion — Ramallah residents interviewed on May 1, 2025, by the Jordanian Al-Mamlaka channel expressed pessimism about his appointment as Abbas’s deputy. They argued that the Palestinian people should choose their leader, not have one appointed by Abu Mazen. They also said his political program is unclear to them.[18] Palestinian Facebook commenters wrote: “This is inheritance, not elections — consult the people,” “Abbas, al-Sheikh, Majed, and Dahlan — may God take them so we can have some peace,” “From a pig to a bigger pig.”[19]
Appendix: Personal Profile of Hussein al-Sheikh
His full name is Hussein Shahada Muhammad al-Sheikh (“Abu Jihad”). He was born in 1960 in Ramallah to a refugee family. From 2022 to 2025, he served as Secretary-General of the PLO Executive Committee. In April 2024, he was appointed Deputy Chair of the PLO Executive Committee. In February 2022, he was appointed a member of the Executive Committee and head of the Negotiations Department. From 2007 to 2025, he served as head of the Palestinian Authority’s Civil Affairs Commission. From 2007 to 2023, he chaired the Palestinian Higher Coordination Committee (CAC). He was first elected to Fatah’s Central Committee in 2009, and then re-elected in 2016. Between 1978 and 1989, he was imprisoned in Israel for his Fatah activities. In 1994, he served as an officer in the Palestinian Preventive Security Service with the rank of aqid (colonel).
Hussein al-Sheikh is considered the bitter rival of Marwan Barghouti.[20] In 1999, the two competed for the position of Fatah Secretary in Judea and Samaria. Al-Sheikh won by a narrow margin, but Yasser Arafat, who was close to Barghouti, appointed both men to the position. Documents seized at the Muqata‘a in Ramallah during Operation Defensive Shield revealed al-Sheikh’s involvement in terrorism during the Second Intifada. In one letter, for example, al-Sheikh asked Arafat for $2,500 in financial assistance for three Fatah terrorists who carried out attacks against Israelis and caused the deaths of many. In recent years, al-Sheikh has led the Palestinian Authority’s diplomatic activity in the international arena, as part of the expanded powers he received from the 90-year-old Abu Mazen and the full confidence he places in him. In this capacity, al-Sheikh works to secure funding for the Palestinian Authority and promotes the integration of the PA into the management and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip in the “day after” framework. Al-Sheikh supports disarming Hamas and calls on it to abandon any plan to reassert control over Gaza. He currently opposes carrying out attacks against Israelis but supports resistance
[1] https://35w6.short.gy/x6vkod
https://www.wafa.ps/Pages/Details/134609
[2] https://aawsat.com/العالم-العربي/المشرق-العربي/5201713-عباس-يمهد-للشيخ-قيادة-مرحلة-بالغة-التعقيد
[3] https://info.wafa.ps/pages/details/35802
[4] https://www.bbc.com/arabic/articles/clywpxvpyxpo
[5] https://35w6.short.gy/b6p0wj
[6] https://35w6.short.gy/t9tdah
[7] https://35w6.short.gy/w3s9xi
[8] https://arabexpert.co.il/2021/10/08/4170
[9] https://www.i24news.tv/ar/أخبار/middle-east/artc-d8d66369
[10] https://shahed.cc/news/85921/موكب-حسين-الشيخ-يثير-غضب-الشارع-الفلسطيني-توقفوا-عن-الاستفزاز-في-ظل-جريان-الدم
[11] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fl5ll_sVkqI&t=157s
[12] https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1864266961033316
[13] https://shahed.cc/news/87395/حسين-الشيخ-في-عيون-الفلسطينيين-فاسد-هبط-بالبارسوت-الإسرائيلي-الأمريكي
[14] https://www.facebook.com/SadaNewsPalestine/posts/الرئيس-يصدر-إعلانا-دستوريا-بتولي-نائب-رئيس-اللجنة-التنفيذية-لمنظمة-التحرير-مهام-/1149265897334647/
[15] https://palps.net/?p=6498
[16] https://english.pnn.ps/news/47480?utm_source=chatgpt.com
[17] https://www.pcpsr.org/ar/node/964
[18] https://www.facebook.com/AlMamlakaTV/videos/1864266961033316
[19] https://www.facebook.com/SadaNewsPalestine/posts/الرئيس-يصدر-إعلانا-دستوريا-بتولي-نائب-رئيس-اللجنة-التنفيذية-لمنظمة-التحرير-مهام-/1149265897334647
[20] https://www.alarabiya.net/arab-and-world/2025/04/27/من-سجون-اسرائيل-لنائب-الرئيس-الفلسطيني-من-هو-حسين-الشيخ; https://husseinalsheikh.com/السيرة-الذاتية
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