Palestinian leaders are closely watching Israeli Prime Minister-designate Gadi Eisenkot’s efforts to form a government and unseat Benjamin Netanyahu, hoping for a shift in Israeli policy after four years of hostility.
Although the Palestinian Authority (PA) has refrained from commenting publicly on Israel’s election results, officials are scrutinizing Eisenkot’s statements and political moves for signs of a possible change in relations.
The PA has maintained its longstanding position that Israeli elections are an internal matter. Yet few have more at stake in the outcome after four years in which Netanyahu’s government waged an unrelenting campaign against the Palestinian Authority and Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Palestinian officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas, declared before the elections that they were prepared to engage with any Israeli government. They have stopped short, however, of speaking of a new chapter in relations.
Judging policies, not personalities
Mahmoud al-Habbash, an adviser to Abbas, stressed that the PA would judge any incoming Israeli prime minister by their policies and positions on the Palestinian issue.
“It is too early to judge Eisenkot,” Habbash told Asharq Al-Awsat. “We do not judge individuals. Frankly, the names of those governing Israel do not matter to us.”
“What matters are their actual positions, policies and programs concerning the Palestinian issue, and their commitment to international legitimacy and international law,” he stressed.
These factors will determine the PA’s relationship with any Israeli prime minister or government, he added.
Habbash declined to say whether Eisenkot was the PA’s preferred candidate, reiterating that it was premature to assess him or a government he had yet to form.
Nevertheless, he said: “We hope for a different Israeli leadership that respects international legitimacy and the agreements signed, beginning with Oslo, the Paris Agreement and subsequent accords.”
Such a leadership should have the willingness, determination and political program to put negotiations back on track toward an agreement ending the current situation, he said.
Eisenkot opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state, the PA’s central political objective. However, he has shown greater openness than Netanyahu toward strengthening the PA and transferring withheld Palestinian revenues.
He has also previously argued against Israel directly ruling millions of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza as an occupying power.
Habbash stressed that relations between Palestinians and the Israeli government involve interconnected political, economic and administrative issues.
“These range from everyday matters affecting people’s lives and needs to clearance revenues, compliance with signed agreements and, ultimately, Israel’s position on our legitimate national rights,” he explained.
“If Eisenkot translates his words into action, we will respond positively and remain open to dialogue,” Habbash affirmed.
‘Anyone is better than Netanyahu’
Behind closed doors, PA officials said that almost any alternative would be preferable to Netanyahu, whom they accuse of seeking to dismantle the Authority, displace Palestinians and eliminate their national cause.
They have avoided making such views public for fear their statements could be exploited in Israel’s domestic political struggle.
“It is not about Eisenkot. Any Israeli would be better for us than Netanyahu and his current government,” a senior Palestinian official told Asharq Al-Awsat. “This is the most hostile government Palestinians have ever known - a government of extermination.”
During Israel’s 2022 elections, the PA reportedly sought to help defeat Netanyahu, prompting Israel’s domestic security agency, Shin Bet, to warn against interference in the electoral process.
This time, the PA did not seek to intervene, but maintained various channels of communication with Arab party leaders.
Palestinian officials have expressed pride in the number of seats won by Arab parties in the Knesset, whose electoral gains effectively prevented Netanyahu from remaining in power.
Improve conditions
At a minimum, Palestinian officials hope Eisenkot will ease economic pressures and improve security conditions in the occupied territories.
“We are not suggesting that Eisenkot is a savior. We know he will not lead us to statehood,” an informed Palestinian source told Asharq Al-Awsat.
“But many other crucial issues are at stake: the future of the PA, the economy, clearance revenues, the West Bank, security conditions, settler violence, the future of Gaza, reconstruction and governance.”
The source hoped for progress on these issues, describing any improvement as a potential foundation for further engagement. Nevertheless, the Palestinian leadership remains cautious and does not expect a decisive policy shift.
Change in form, not substance
Palestine Liberation Organization Executive Committee member Wasel Abu Yousef was more skeptical, saying that a change in Israeli leadership would affect appearances rather than fundamental policy.
“There may be change, but it will be in form, not substance,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.
“They agree on legitimizing settlements, preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state, separating the Gaza Strip and rejecting international resolutions. They are pursuing the Greater Israel project and, to varying degrees, denying the rights and existence of the Palestinian people.”
Meaningful change would require recognition of Palestinian self-determination and the establishment of an independent state in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem, he said.
Habbash similarly reiterated the PA’s willingness to engage while insisting that economic relief alone could not resolve the conflict.
“Our cause is not merely about daily living conditions or improving livelihoods. It is about political rights, foremost among them the establishment of a Palestinian state and an end to the occupation.”
