Power, Scandal, and Politics: Hussein al-Sheikh’s Rise to the Top of the Palestinian Authority

Hussein al-Sheikh is on the brink of taking control of the Palestinian Authority after the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) approved Mahmoud Abbas’s nomination for al-Sheikh as deputy chairman of both the PLO Executive Committee and the Palestinian Authority.

This decision follows Abbas’s recommendation based on the PLO’s Central Council meeting earlier this week, a meeting that saw a boycott from major Palestinian factions, including the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).

Who is Hussein al-Sheikh?

Hussein al-Sheikh, born on December 14, 1960, in Ramallah, is a veteran Palestinian political figure. At just 18 years old, he was arrested by Israeli forces and imprisoned. During his time in detention, he learned Hebrew, which later played a crucial role in his rise as a key figure in coordination between the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the Israeli occupation forces. This coordination, known as “security coordination,” has earned al-Sheikh a controversial reputation among Palestinians.

After the Oslo Accords in 1993, al-Sheikh became a founding member of the political committees in the West Bank and Gaza. By 1994, he had been promoted to the rank of colonel in the Preventive Security Service, a position he held until 1997. He also became a prominent member of the Fatah movement in the West Bank, serving as deputy head of the political committees for both the West Bank and Gaza, as well as Jerusalem.

During the Second Intifada (2000-2005), al-Sheikh’s role was relatively low-key compared to figures like Marwan Barghouti. He was associated with the more ‘moderate’ wing of Fatah, alongside Mahmoud Abbas. Tensions during this period saw Yasser Arafat ordering al-Sheikh’s arrest, though reports suggest Arafat may have also planned to have him assassinated. However, after Arafat’s death and Abbas’s rise to power, al-Sheikh’s fortunes changed, and he became a central figure in Palestinian politics.

A Closer Look at His Role in Palestinian Politics

In 2007, al-Sheikh was appointed head of the Palestinian Authority’s Civil Affairs Department with ministerial rank. In this capacity, he became a key liaison between the PA and Israeli authorities, coordinating with the Israeli military and intelligence services, and overseeing the flow of goods, people, and funds between the Palestinian territories and Israel.

Al-Sheikh gained significant political influence through his control over the tax revenue collected by Israel and transferred to the PA, as well as his role in issuing permits for Palestinians to enter ‘Israel’, including VIP cards for high-ranking officials and business permits. This level of authority made him a powerful figure within the PA, though he faced criticism for bureaucratic inefficiencies and corruption. In 2022, reports emerged exposing the mismanagement of Gaza reconstruction funds by al-Sheikh’s office and engaging in corrupt practices, further tarnishing his public image.

Al-Sheikh has also capitalized on his wealth, owning several quarries and major businesses in the West Bank, including gas stations and retail stores. He also resides in a luxury villa in Jericho.

The Controversy Surrounding His Appointment

Hussein al-Sheikh’s rise within the Palestinian political hierarchy has not been without controversy. His appointment as a potential successor to Mahmoud Abbas has sparked tensions within Fatah, with several senior figures such as Jibril Rajoub, Mahmoud al-Aloul, and Tawfiq al-Tirawi, all former security heads and long-time members of the movement, reportedly eyeing the position themselves.

Nevertheless, al-Sheikh has garnered significant backing from other powerful figures, particularly Majid Faraj, the head of Palestinian intelligence. Faraj and al-Sheikh have reportedly worked closely with Abbas, particularly in suppressing calls for the release of imprisoned Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti. Faraj and al-Sheikh’s influence is believed to be pivotal in Abbas’s decision to nominate al-Sheikh as his successor, further solidifying their political grip.

Despite the internal divisions, al-Sheikh’s influence has expanded beyond Palestinian politics. In 2022, he made a significant visit to Washington, marking the first high-level Palestinian visit to the U.S. in five years. During his trip, he met with key U.S. officials, including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, signaling his ambitions to gain international legitimacy as a future leader of the PA.

Corruption and Sexual Misconduct

Al-Sheikh’s rise to power has not been without scandal. In February 2022, reports surfaced that he had been involved in sexual misconduct and corruption. These allegations included claims that al-Sheikh had concealed millions of dollars intended for Gaza’s reconstruction and had profited from issuing permits to enter Israel, generating significant financial gains. Furthermore, he was accused of attempting to silence a victim of sexual assault by offering money to buy their silence.

The sexual misconduct allegations attracted considerable attention and damaged al-Sheikh’s public image. Despite the reports, Mahmoud Abbas continued to support him, further straining his relationship with parts of the Palestinian population, particularly those critical of the PA’s corruption and its cooperation with Israeli authorities.

A Divisive Figure in Palestinian Politics

Al-Sheikh’s relationship with Israel has also been a point of contention. His extensive cooperation with Israeli military and intelligence services has earned him the label of a collaborator. Critics argue that his actions undermine the Palestinian cause, while al-Sheikh defends his meetings with Israeli officials as a necessary part of negotiations with the enemy.

This has positioned him as a figure who is both a symbol of the PA’s reliance on Israeli cooperation and a divisive element within Palestinian politics.

As Abbas’s health continues to decline, the possibility of Hussein al-Sheikh taking the reins of the Palestinian Authority seems increasingly likely. While his appointment has stirred significant opposition within Fatah and among various Palestinian factions, his political alliances and strong ties to Abbas suggest that he is positioned to assume the presidency in the near future.