The Times of Israel reports: “Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has signed a decree that will likely prevent Hamas and other like-minded factions from participating in PA municipal elections slated for April.

The election law amendment announced on Tuesday by the PA’s central election committee will require all candidates to sign a statement accepting the Palestine Liberation Organization’s ‘national program’ — an apparent reference to the PLO’s resolutions, which include the recognition of Israel, the renunciation of terrorism and the pursuit of a two-state solution.

Hamas, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and other Israeli- and US-designated terror groups seeking to participate in the Palestinian political system have long refused to accept those PLO policies.

Analysts speculated that Abbas was motivated by a desire to prevent rival Hamas from gaining more of a foothold in the West Bank and ensuring that the PA won’t be exposed to punitive measures due to international sanctions against Hamas, PFLP and Palestinian Islamic Jihad…”