As was expected, Abbas called off Palestinian elections because they would lack a shred of legitimacy without Hamas’s cooperation.
Abbas, whose presidential term has long expired, legally must step down and let Hamas’ parliament speaker rule. Supported by IDF, Abbas refuses to relinquish his post.
Abbas has recently suffered a series of blows to his credibility: he met with Netanyahu despite having vowed to avoid him; he agreed to resume peace talks without a settlement freeze; he agreed to ignore the Goldstone report; he rescinded his promise to avoid running for reelection; and now he has rescinded the elections themselves. Abbas’ chances in the elections, if and when they happen, are slim.
