Hamas and the Islamic Jihad group have agreed to form an unexpected political coalition with a former top Fatah official who maintains close ties to the United Arab Emirates and Israel, according to reports. The alliance, described as unusual given the historical tensions between these groups, aims to consolidate political power in the region. The former Fatah official, whose name has not been disclosed, is said to have maintained diplomatic channels with both the UAE and Israel, suggesting a complex network of political and strategic interests.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to position himself as a strong leader in the wake of the Hamas attack, despite recent polls indicating his Likud party may lose a third of its parliamentary seats. His campaign strategy focuses on portraying opponents as weak, a tactic that has been central to his electoral playbook.
In a separate development, Israel’s defense minister has stated that Hamas leaders operating abroad are “in crosshairs,” signaling a potential shift in the country’s approach to targeting militant figures. This comes amid growing tensions with Iran, as the head of the Iranian parliament’s National Security Commission warned that Israel’s “days are numbered.”
The political landscape in the region remains volatile, with alliances shifting and new coalitions forming in response to ongoing conflicts and diplomatic pressures.
