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DE RUEHJM #1320 1780828
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TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 8177
INFO RUEHXK/ARAB ISRAELI COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RHEHNSC/WHITE HOUSE NSC PRIORITY C O N F I D E N T I A L JERUSALEM 001320 
 
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NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE AND IPA, NSC FOR ABRAMS/SINGH/WATERS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/25/2017 
TAGS:          
SUBJECT: CODEL ISSA MEETS WITH YASER ABED RABBO 
 
Classified By: Consul General Jake Walles for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) 
 
 1.  (C)  Begin Summary.  PLO Executive Committee Secretary 
General Yaser Abed Rabbo told CODEL Issa June 24 that the 
government of PM Salam Fayyad, if successful, could lead to 
the creation of a new political current, mobilize disaffected 
voters, and weaken HAMAS.  He accused HAMAS of trying to 
institute one party rule and an Islamic society in Gaza. 
Warning that HAMAS could strike out as it becomes more 
isolated, he called for diplomatic isolation that avoids a 
humanitarian crisis or Israeli military action.  He also said 
the PA will investigate HAMAS-linked NGOs, in order to weaken 
its social network.  End Summary. 
 
Fayyad: The Great Technocratic Hope 
----------------------------------- 
 
 2.  (C)  In a June 24 meeting with Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) 
and the Consul General, PLO Executive Committee Secretary 
General Yaser Abed Rabbo said the new PA government led by PM 
Salam Fayyad represents a great opportunity to give hope to 
the many Palestinians who support neither HAMAS nor Fatah. 
He said many people can potentially be brought into the 
political system as supporters of an independent third party 
and pointed to a recent An-Najah University poll that showed 
72% support for PM Fayyad.  Abed Rabbo said it is important 
to strengthen Fayyad and his government to give them the 
chance to build up support.  He said there is still a danger 
that elements within Fatah will work to undermine Fayyad to 
increase their own political power, and he is working to 
prevent this. 
 
Isolation: Yes 
-------------- 
 
 3.  (C)  Abed Rabbo accused HAMAS of planning to institute 
one party rule in Gaza, while building a "Taliban-like" 
Islamic society. He rejected HAMAS' recent statements 
proposing dialogue with President Abbas and calling for calm 
with Israel.  He said such statements are an attempt to 
reduce international pressure on HAMAS.  He described HAMAS 
as "a snake that had swallowed a cow", saying HAMAS cannot 
solve Gaza's economic and social problems without 
international assistance and Israeli coordination.  Abed 
Rabbo said HAMAS is part of an international conspiracy that 
includes Qatar, Syria, Iran and Hizballah, all of whom were 
aware in advance of HAMAS's plans in Gaza.  He called for 
HAMAS to be isolated diplomatically, economically and 
socially and said he opposes any international contacts with 
HAMAS.  Abed Rabbo called HAMAS's takeover of Gaza a 
"historic error" and said HAMAS must be made to "pay for it." 
 He also warned that the present situation is dangerous, and 
HAMAS is likely to strike out violently in response to 
internal and external pressure. 
 
War and Starvation: No 
---------------------- 
 
 4.  (C)  Abed Rabbo said the PA needs to work with the 
Israelis now to coordinate on security in order to weaken 
HAMAS in the West Bank. He warned, however, that a large 
scale Israeli military attack on Gaza will only strengthen 
HAMAS politically and weaken Abbas and Fayyad. He said a 
humanitarian crisis in Gaza will have the same terrible 
result. Asked by Rep. Issa how the PA can prevent support for 
Gazans from benefiting HAMAS, Abed Rabbo said the PA must 
isolate Gaza financially and pay only public sector employees 
who are loyal to the PA. 
 
Challenging the Culture of HAMAS 
-------------------------------- 
 
 5.  (C)  Abed Rabbo said HAMAS has infiltrated the education 
system and the religious establishment. He said Fatah never 
understood the importance of culture and failed to respond to 
HAMAS in these areas. Abed Rabbo said the new government must 
limit HAMAS's role in civil society and will begin by 
investigating Hamas-linked NGOs and charities. 
 
 6.  (U)  CODEL Issa did not have the chance to clear this 
cable. 
WALLES