RAMALLAH, West Bank — Leaked information that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas allegedly intends to resign and about the identity of his successor has grabbed Palestinians’ attention anew. Abbas has been insisting for some time now that he will not run again to head the Palestinian Authority whenever elections are eventually held, but he has also not appointed a vice president, who would be his likely successor. According to Palestinian law, presidential elections should be held every four years, but the last contest took place in 2005.

On July 26, Israeli Channel 1 quoted close Abbas associates as saying that they expected him to resign in September. In response to the possibility of Abbas' resignation, a PA source speaking to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity cryptically stated that Abbas has “threatened to take unexpected decisions without disclosing the nature or timing of those decisions.”

Fahmi al-Zarir, deputy secretary-general of Fatah’s Revolutionary Council, told Al-Monitor that the Israeli reports are inaccurate. According to him, there has been no indication that Abbas intends to step down, emphasizing that PA appointments, as well as those for the Palestine Liberation Organization, are subject to laws.

“No one has information, and no one can predict what the president will do in the upcoming period,” said Zarir. “Important meetings will be held this month and next month to discuss all national issues.” Among those slated for discussion are relations with Israel and resorting to international forums to obtain Palestinian rights and goals.