Power Dynamics Inside Hamas

Arutz Sheva ^ | 17/6/11 | Lt. Col. (res.) Jonathan Dahoah-Halevi

[Eleutheria5]

Al-Zahar is demanding that Hamas-Gaza be given more weight in decision-making, while the Hamas leadership abroad contends that the center of power should remain outside of Palestine.

Since the Israeli disengagement from Gaza in 2005, Hamas' decisive victory in the parliamentary elections of 2006, and Hamas' military takeover of Gaza in June 2007, the Hamas government has gained significant political and economic power. It conducts foreign relations and imposes taxes on imports from Israel and from Egypt which have become remarkable revenue sources. This has weakened the dependence of Hamas-Gaza on the Hamas leadership abroad.

In addition, the consolidation of the Hamas regime in Gaza, where the main military forces of the al-Qassam Brigades are stationed, has gradually changed the balance of power inside Hamas. Al-Zahar challenged Mashaal's authority to lead the movement, arguing that the center of power should move from abroad to "inside" Palestine. Fatah underwent a similar process after the establishment of the Palestinian Authority in 1994, which lead eventually to a majority of the leadership living in the Palestinian territories.

[Eleutheria5]

Well, I hope that they settle their differences pieceably and permanently, and each side fights bravely to the last man.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Eleutheria5.

Hamas leadership abroad contends that the center of power should remain outside of Palestine