Israeli and US officials are watching Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas with concern. Senior Fatah officials report that something is happening to the 86-year-old leader. He has slowed his activity and cut back on his meetings, participating only in the most important ones while leaving the others to his confidant, senior PLO official Hussein Al-Sheikh.

In other words, Al-Sheikh, currently the leading candidate to succeed Abbas until elections are held in PA-controlled areas, is gradually assuming the chairman’s duties.

In any case, a senior Fatah official believes that if Abbas is incapacitated or dies, he will be temporarily replaced by the former speaker of the Palestinian National Council, Rawhi Fattouh. Fattouh will serve for 60 days, after which presidential elections will be held. Although Al-Sheikh will be able to run in these elections, his chances of winning are slim in light of his blemished reputation on the Palestinian street.

Yoni Ben Menachem, a veteran Arab affairs and diplomatic commentator for Israel Radio and Television, is a senior Middle East analyst for the Jerusalem Center. He served as Director General and Chief Editor of the Israel Broadcasting Authority.