{Originally posted to the JCPA website}
In east Jerusalem, just below the surface, changes are taking place. These tectonic shifts are very worrisome to the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah and Jordan. The penetration of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf to east Jerusalem at the expense of Ramallah is very unattractive to them. The Islamic Liberation Party, Hizb ut-Tahrir, supported by Saudi Arabia and the Gulf recently engaged in a heated theological disagreement over the exact timing of the end of the Ramadan holiday.
It appears that substantial funds reached a new organization that deals with east Jerusalem affairs. This organization is headed by Prof. Sari Nusseibeh and is tied to the Gulf. Sources in east Jerusalem state that this new organization is now looking to open a network of offices in the eastern part of the city.
Hizb ut-Tahrir, Islamic Liberation
The Islamic Liberation Party Hizb ut-Tahrir has a prominent presence on the Temple Mount, and in the past attacked high-ranking representatives from Jordan and Ramallah. If the party does move to support Saudi Arabia, both sides will face serious challenges. In addition to these difficulties, Jordan and the PLO do not trust each other.
Sari Nusseibeh disagrees with Ramallah on many issues. He represents the local leadership, while the leadership of the PLO has its roots in Tunis and the Oslo agreement. Mahmoud Abbas represents the PLO locally.
(Pinhas Inbari is a veteran Arab affairs correspondent who formerly reported for Israel Radio and Al Hamishmar newspaper, and currently serves as an analyst for the JCPA)