FCC SUSPENDS FATAH'S PARTICIPATION IN THE NUG

S E C R E T JERUSALEM 001189

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/08/2017
TAGS: KPAL KWBG PGOV PREL PTER IS
SUBJECT: FCC SUSPENDS FATAH'S PARTICIPATION IN THE NUG


Classified By: Consul General Jake Walles, Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (S) SUMMARY: The Fatah Central Committee (FCC) decided
on June 12 to "suspend" Fatah's participation in the national
unity government (NUG). Fatah leaders report that some FCCs
members urged that Fatah withdraw from the government
completely, but that PA President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen)
rejected this step now and continues to press for a
cease-fire with Hamas. The FCC will meet again June 13
(8:00pm local). END SUMMARY

FCC Debate: Diluted Response
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2. (S) In a June 12 evening meeting, the Fatah Central
Committee (FCC) decided to suspend Fatah's participation in
the national unity government (NUG). Fatah leaders say this
decision was an effort to pressure Hamas to negotiate
following Hamas' refusal earlier in the day to discuss a
ceasefire under Egyptian auspices.


3. (S) According to Fatah sources, some committee members
including PA President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen),opposed any
drastic decision and said they feared a complete Fatah
withdrawal from the NUG would exacerbate tensions and leave
Fatah with no bargaining chips. Others, including deputy
Prime Minister Azam al-Ahmed, reportedly favored a more
decisive stand and complete withdrawal from the NUG and/or
the PLC. Al-Ahmad has privately said if HAMAS refuses to
agree to a cease-fire, the FCC will be forced into action.
He criticized Abu Mazen's decision to suspend Fatah's
participation in the NUG and said he supports total
withdrawal from the government if HAMAS refuses to agree to
an immediate ceasefire.


4. (U) Al-Ahmad on June 13 was quoted in press as saying
that the FCC is still considering withdrawing from the NUG if
the fighting continues. Al-Ahmad told the press that the
decision to end fighting and maintain the NUG is in HAMAS's
hands. "HAMAS leaders must choose if they want us to be
partners in the government or break away."

Next Steps: Cease-Fire Efforts; More FCC Meetings
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5. (S) Sources in the President's office report that Abu
Mazen spoke by phone with Damascus-based HAMAS leader Khalid
Misha'al, who promised to work toward a ceasefire.


6. (S) After the June 12 FCC meeting, some Fatah leaders said
they are holding out hope for Egyptian-mediated HAMAS/Fatah
talks on June 13. MG Burhan Hamad (Egyptian GID),the lead
Egyptian mediator, is scheduled to meet HAMAS officials on
June 13 at 4:00 p.m. local time in Gaza City. The FCC plans
to meet on June 13 at 8:00 p.m. local time to discuss options
in light of the ceasefire effots. Fatah insiders say that
such options include withdrawing from the NUG; dismissing the
government; declaring a state of emergency; and declaring the
HAMAS Executive Force and the HAMAS military wing illegal.

Comment
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7. (S) HAMAS has few incentives to agree to a ceasefire as
long as it seems to be gaining control of more territory in
Gaza. The more ground HAMAS controls when it comes to the
table to negotiate, the stronger HAMAS's position will be.
WALLES