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