Hmmm: Palestinian Authority Gov't Resigns

Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh of the Palestinian Authority, the body that administers part of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, tendered the resignation of his cabinet on Monday, according to the authority’s official news agency.

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The decision follows diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, to persuade the authority to overhaul itself in a way that would enable it to take over the administration of Gaza after the war there ends.

But it was unclear whether the appointment of a new prime minister and cabinet would be enough to revamp the authority or persuade Israel to let it govern Gaza. President Mahmoud Abbas, the most senior leader of the authority, will remain in position along with his security chiefs, regardless of whether he accepts Mr. Shtayyeh’s resignation.

Ed Morrissey

Do we even want elections at this point? Hamas would likely win those elections and force Israel to assert direct rule over the West Bank as well as Gaza. As long as Abbas holds onto power, Israel won't let the PA assert authority over Gaza either. According to the NYT, it doesn't look like Abbas wants to give up any authority anyway; he's leaning toward appointing one of his inner circle to replace Shtayyeh. 

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