The Israel Security Agency, known in Hebrew as Shabak, has since 2018 been preparing two military plans for the day Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will no longer preside over Palestinian politics, the Israeli Yedioth Ahronoth said on Wednesday.
The first plan is code-named "Sunset", and lays out the course of action immediately following Abbas' death, including troop deployment in major West Bank areas, and coordination with the Israeli army in case of violent clashes.
The newspaper wrote that the plan outlines instructions for the rescue of Israeli settlers caught in dangerous situations, including stone-throwing, firebombing and live fire by Palestinians.
One potential scenario also raised within the framework of this plan is the Israeli army and police forces being tapped to escort Abbas' coffin.
The newspaper added that another scenario deals with the possibility of the PA president being hospitalized in Jordan and dying there, which would require a police escort through the Allenby Bridge border crossing and its safe passage to Ramallah.
The second plan, dubbed "Game of Thrones", focuses on different potential scenarios during the liminal phase between Abbas' death and the ascension of a new leader in Ramallah.
Police officials say that after the funeral procession, which is expected to be attended by many thousands of people, different militant groups and political factions may attempt to seize power in specific regions of the West Bank.
“This could lead to bloody clashes between regional clans and endanger nearby settlements,” the Shabak plan revealed.
It also said that current Israeli commanders on the ground aren't familiar with the plans and the fact that there have been no drills since 2018 is a badge of shame for the police.
“It is clear that in the event of Abbas's passing, the relevant officers will not be prepared at all,” the plan concluded.
