Who will Be the Next Hamas Leader After Haniyeh?

In the wake of Ismail Haniyeh’s assassination, Khaled Meshaal is being strongly considered as the next leader of Hamas. Meshaal, 68, has been a prominent figure in Hamas since the late 1990s and is known worldwide for surviving an Israeli assassination attempt in 1997.

The incident, which occurred on a street outside his office in Amman, Jordan, involved Israeli agents injecting Meshaal with poison. The attempt, ordered by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was botched, leading to a diplomatic crisis with Jordan. The late King Hussein of Jordan demanded the antidote and threatened severe repercussions, prompting Israel to comply and release Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin.

Meshaal has held various significant roles within Hamas, including serving as its political leader in exile. His tenure has seen him navigate complex relations with Iran and other regional allies. Despite his strained ties with Iran due to his support for the 2011 Sunni-led revolt against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Meshaal remains a central figure within the organization.

Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya, based in Qatar and favored by Iran, is also a contender for the leadership. However, sources indicate that Meshaal is the more likely candidate to replace Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Iran, prompting vows of retribution from both Tehran and Hamas.

Meshaal’s history with Hamas is marked by his efforts to represent the group internationally and his advocacy for Palestinian statehood, albeit with a pragmatic approach towards Israel. His leadership could signify a continuation of Hamas’ militant stance, as demonstrated by the recent attacks and ongoing conflict with Israel.

As Hamas prepares for this significant leadership transition, the international community watches closely, aware of the potential implications for the already volatile region. Whether Meshaal will ascend to the top position remains to be seen, but his influence and legacy within Hamas are undeniable.