New problem brews for Netanyahu as archrival Hamas expands presence in Palestine

Hamas says it will contest the Palestinian Legislative Council election set for November 28, seeking the broadest possible national coalition for what would be the first territory-wide legislative vote in 20 years. The planned ballot covers Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, but Hamas’s participation remains uncertain because candidates must recognize the PLO as Palestinians’ sole legitimate representative and accept its political programme—conditions Hamas has rejected.