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Significance
Abbas’s unwavering commitment to a moribund peace process that only deepened Israel’s hold on the occupied Palestinian territories has left him bereft of popular legitimacy. A chain-smoking octogenarian, he has suffered several recent health scares, heating up competition among those looking to succeed him.
Impacts
The political process with Israel will stay frozen, regardless of a reportedly imminent US peace proposal, which is seen as dead on arrival.
Potential leadership candidates will be under pressure to sound hawkish on security cooperation with Israel.
Some contenders will begin to reach out to regional powers, notably Saudi Arabia and Egypt, who will provide low-key support.
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2018
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