US President Donald Trump recently indicated his consideration of urging Israel to release prominent Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, who has been detained since 2002. This potential step comes within Trump’s vision for the future of the region, especially with regard to leadership of the Palestinian territories in the post-conflict phase.
President Trump’s proposal to pressure the release of Barghouti, who is described as “Mandela of Palestine,” is based on several pivotal strategic and political considerations:
The five reasons why President Trump is interested in Barghouti:
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The need for unified and acceptable Palestinian leadership
Trump believes that the Palestinian arena lacks a unified leader who can form a new administration in Gaza and the West Bank. Barghouti is considered the only figure who enjoys broad support from various factions and popular bases.
Popular legitimacy of post-war arrangements
Barghouti leads opinion polls among the Palestinians, which makes him the most legitimate leader to represent them in any political process or oversee future self-rule, which is an essential element that the current authority lacks.
An alternative to the current leadership
President Trump expressed his lack of belief that current President Mahmoud Abbas is the appropriate person to lead Gaza after the war, which calls for a search for leadership with competence and the ability to manage the transitional phase, a role that some see as appropriate for Barghouti.
Supporting the two-state solution and stability in the region
Barghouti is one of the drafters of the “Prisoners’ Document” that supports the two-state solution, and it is believed that his release may push the faltering political process forward and serve the American and international desire to achieve long-term stability in the region.
The influence of close supporters
Reports indicate that advisers and supporters close to President Trump, including prominent American Jewish figures, have publicly encouraged Barghouti’s release as part of a comprehensive deal for the region.
It should be noted that the release of Barghouti, who is serving five life sentences, faces categorical rejection by the Israeli government and some parties in it, which consider him involved in killing operations. Trump has stated that he will “make a decision” soon on this sensitive issue.
