Top PLO official says Abbas fired him illegally

A top PLO official recently fired by Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas says he was dismissed illegally in a move that bodes ill for Palestinian institutions.

Yasser Abed Rabbo, who has criticized Abbas’s policies and leadership, was removed two weeks ago as the Palestine Liberation Organization’s No. 2. He was replaced by Abbas confidant Saeb Erekat.

Abed Rabbo told reporters Sunday he was fired without a vote, and that this “harms not only me” but the organization.

Abbas’s office had no comment.

Abbas has alleged in closed-door meetings that Abed Rabbo is part of a group of Palestinian politicians trying to undermine him with financial support from the United Arab Emirates.

The group apparently includes former Palestinian prime minister Salaam Fayyad and exiled Fatah strongman Mohammad Dahlan.

Last month, the PA confiscated funds from a nonprofit headed by Fayyad.

Abed Rabbo said such “painful” allegations hurt ties with the UAE, which he described as a supporter of the Palestinians.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report