NABLUS FATAH OFFICIALS SKETCH INTERNAL AND

S E C R E T JERUSALEM 002276 SIPDIS SIPDIS NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE, NSC FOR ABRAMS/SINGH/WATERS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/31/2017 TAGS: KWBG PINS IS PGOV KMPI PREL KDEM KPAO SUBJECT: NABLUS FATAH OFFICIALS SKETCH INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CHALLENGES Classified By: Consul General Jake Walles, Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Summary. In an October 24 meetng, Senior Fatah officials from Nablus, Taysir Nasser Allah and Hussein Hawari, told NEA/PI Owen Kirby about efforts to provide services to Fatah supporters in Nablus. They said the population includes many families of prisoners and "martyrs," which Fatah endeavors to support, and noted that Nablus-based Hamas continues to assist these residents. Allah and Hawari urged USG assistance for Fatah. They suggested there is a large gap between their efforts and those of the Ramallah-based Mobilization and Discipline (MAD) Committee. End Summary. Nablus Issues: High Level of Insecurity -------------- ¶2. (C) In October 24 meetings at Fatah Offices, Taysir Nasser Allah and Hussein Hawari, the Fatah officials in Nablus responsible for elections and membership coordination respectively, asked NEA/PI Owen Kirby for U.S. political and financial support for Fatah. They said Nablus residents live with daily insecurity that is worsened by the IDF's "day and night incursions." Taysir said Nablus has a disproportionate number of families of prisoners and "martyrs," and residents need greater than average social services. He said Fatah in Nablus endeavors to support the prisoners, families, provide economic assistance, and organize political demonstrations. While Hamas is under pressure in Nablus, Taysir said they are still providing services, especially to university students, educational institutes, and teachers. Nablus vs. Ramallah -------------- ¶3. (C) Taysir told Kirby that Nablus has active elections, communications, and membership sub-committees which include representatives from the city, surrounding villages, and refugee camps. (Note: this and other district level committees report to the Ramallah-based MAD subcommittees. The MAD Elections sub-committee is chaired by Issam Abu Bakr (septel),who is also from Nablus, but has a strained relationship with Taysir. End Note.) Hawari said that there are accuracy and duplication problems with the membership forms provided by the MAD for Nablus. The Nablus sub-committee is now in the process of re-checking all submitted membership forms. ¶4. (C) According to Taysir, Fatah in Nablus receives 2000 NIS/month (about $500) from Ramallah. He said that they would welcome foreign donor assistance as long as it goes to locally identified priorities. Taysir did not know about NDI technical assistance to Fatah, which is coordinated with the MAD, and said none of his Nablus colleagues participated in NDI programs. WALLES