Palestinian Businessman Samir Hlaileh Launches Lobbying Campaign for Gaza Leadership
Palestinian Businessman Samir Hlaileh Seeks Leadership Role in Gaza Amid Political Uncertainty
Washington, D.C. – In a bold and ambitious move, Palestinian businessman Samir Hlaileh is making a bid to lead a new governing body in the Gaza Strip, investing approximately $300,000 in lobbying efforts to gain traction in Washington and the Middle East. His campaign comes at a time when world leaders, including former U.S. President Donald Trump and prominent Arab officials, are deliberating over Gaza’s future governance following the prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Samir Hlaileh’s Leadership Aspirations
Hlaileh, a seasoned economist and former CEO of the Palestine Development and Investment Company, is positioning himself as a unifying figure capable of bridging the divide between Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. With previous experience in government roles within the Palestinian Authority during the late 1990s and early 2000s, he believes his integrity, reputation, and track record can garner broad-based support.
“I worked in government twice, I worked in the private sector for a long period, and I have experience in NGOs,” Hlaileh stated in a phone interview. He expressed confidence in his ability to gain acceptance from various stakeholders, asserting, “I am generally a public figure, and I have a good chance because of my integrity and my reputation.”
Despite his credentials, Hlaileh remains relatively unknown in Washington, even among experienced Middle East analysts. A former U.S. official acknowledged familiarity with his business background but characterized his leadership bid as overly ambitious. Another Middle East expert argued that while Hlaileh has succeeded in the private sector, he lacks the political influence and regional connections necessary to govern Gaza effectively.
High-Stakes Lobbying Efforts
To bolster his political bid, Hlaileh has retained the services of Israeli-Canadian lobbyist Ari Ben-Menashe, known for his work with controversial clients, including military leaders in Africa and Myanmar’s ruling junta. Documents filed with the U.S. Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) indicate that Hlaileh made an initial payment of $100,000 to Ben-Menashe’s firm, Dickens & Madson, as part of a $300,000 lobbying contract.
According to the contract, Hlaileh is acting independently and is not financially supported or directed by any foreign government, political party, or organization. Ben-Menashe’s lobbying efforts will target key political entities, including the U.S. government, the European Union, the United Nations, the Arab League, and the Palestinian Authority, in an attempt to secure backing for Hlaileh’s proposed leadership in Gaza.
A Vision for Gaza’s Future
The Dickens & Madson contract outlines a political, economic, and security framework for the Gaza Strip that excludes Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. The proposal includes a multinational military presence comprising U.S. and Arab forces, supported by Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, the plan suggests a new political status for Gaza, to be determined by the United Nations, the Arab League, and the Palestinian Authority.
Infrastructure development is a key component of the plan, with provisions for a new airport and seaport to be constructed on Egyptian-leased land. The contract also references Gaza’s rights to offshore natural gas reserves in the Mediterranean, though specific financial details and backing entities remain undisclosed. It further emphasizes that the U.S. will ensure no Israeli interference in Gaza’s affairs while eliminating Hamas’s military presence.
Competing Proposals for Gaza Governance
As Hlaileh pursues his political aspirations, multiple alternative plans for Gaza’s governance are being discussed.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently proposed a controversial plan in which the U.S. would take control of Gaza, relocate its Palestinian population, and redevelop the territory into a luxury hub dubbed the “Riviera of the Middle East.” However, Arab and Gulf nations have firmly opposed any displacement of Palestinians and insist on self-governance as a prerequisite for their support.
Egypt, in coordination with Gulf and Arab partners, is exploring the establishment of a technocratic government for Gaza. This administration would initially focus on humanitarian relief and early recovery, followed by a structured reconstruction phase. Security would be maintained by former Palestinian Authority personnel and Egyptian-trained forces, while civilians would be accommodated in designated “safe zones” during rebuilding efforts.
Israeli opposition leader and former Prime Minister Yair Lapid has proposed that Egypt temporarily govern Gaza, with the incentive of international debt relief to mitigate Cairo’s $155 billion financial burden. Defending his proposal, Lapid stated, “We need to go out there and do something and be proactive about this.”
Potential Leadership Alternatives
Beyond Hlaileh, several other candidates are being considered for leadership roles in Gaza.
Former Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, backed by the United Arab Emirates, is regarded as a credible alternative to PA President Mahmoud Abbas, who faces longstanding allegations of corruption and governance failures.
Another prominent figure is Mohammed Dahlan, a former senior adviser to Abbas who later had a contentious split from the PA and was convicted of corruption in absentia—charges he denies. Currently serving as an adviser to the UAE’s leadership, Dahlan is reportedly close to Egyptian authorities and has advocated for an independent leader in Gaza, supported by Arab peacekeeping forces.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also suggested working with local Gazans unaffiliated with Hamas as a potential governing alternative. However, any leadership appointment in Gaza carries inherent risks, as political figures remain vulnerable to targeted attacks. Hamas has reportedly executed individuals accused of collaborating with Israel, including the head of the influential Doghmush clan. Meanwhile, Palestinian tribal coalitions have firmly rejected any efforts by Israel to impose clan-based rule in the Strip.
Uncertain Future Amid Complex Political Landscape
As competing visions for Gaza’s governance continue to emerge, Hlaileh’s campaign represents one of several long-shot bids in a highly volatile political environment. His efforts to secure U.S. and Arab backing remain in their early stages, while larger geopolitical players navigate the complex dynamics of post-war reconstruction in the region.
