Report: Israel monitoring Dahlan’s efforts to build broad Palestinian electoral alliance

Israeli political and security officials are reportedly monitoring efforts led by Palestinian politician Mohammed Dahlan to establish a broad political and electoral alliance involving several Palestinian factions, including Hamas, ahead of planned legislative elections.

According to a report attributed to the Spanish newspaper El Medio Oriente, recent months have seen intensified contacts between Hamas and the Democratic Reformist Current in Fatah, led by Dahlan, as well as other Palestinian factions and political figures.

Palestinian sources cited in the report said the discussions are aimed at establishing a broader political partnership based on national consensus, overcoming longstanding Palestinian divisions and preparing for a potential restructuring of the Palestinian political landscape.

The sources said contacts have included discussions about an electoral alliance bringing together Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Dahlan’s Reformist Current, independent candidates and other Palestinian political forces.

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Such an alliance, if established, could create a substantial electoral bloc capable of influencing both the results of forthcoming elections and the composition of Palestinian political institutions.

The reported discussions come as Palestinian factions consider their positions ahead of planned legislative elections and amid wider efforts to restructure Palestinian institutions and determine the future governance of the Gaza Strip.

Israeli media have meanwhile reported concern within Israel’s security establishment about the potential implications of such an alliance.

According to the report, the Israeli newspaper Maariv cited participants in security discussions as warning that the development “should not be underestimated” and could produce outcomes considered undesirable by Israel.

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