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Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority, clarified a succession plan after more than two decades in control. He said if he vacated his role, his deputy would rule for a short period until elections could be held.
Oct. 26, 2025, 2:00 p.m. ET
Mahmoud Abbas, the octogenarian Palestinian president, announced on Sunday that his deputy would temporarily assume the leadership of the Palestinian Authority were he to die or step down.
The announcement followed pressure by Arab countries on Mr. Abbas to designate a clear heir for the authority, which administers parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Much of the international community hopes the Palestinian Authority could play a role in postwar Gaza, although Israel rejects its involvement.
Mr. Abbas, 89, has controlled the Palestinian Authority since he was elected to a four-year term in 2005. He has not held presidential elections since and has resisted appointing a realistic heir.
Palestinian commentators said the announcement on succession showed Mr. Abbas, who had long avoided moves that could threaten his grip on power, now seemed to have few options left.
“This decision indicates President Abbas no longer has room to maneuver in the face of international pressure,” said Jehad Harb, an independent Palestinian political analyst.
On Sunday, Mr. Abbas said in a statement carried by official media that were he to vacate the position, the reins would pass to his vice president. That position is held by Hussein al-Sheikh, a longtime aide seen as close to Israel.
