Associates close to Marwan Barghouti said Wednesday the jailed leader has decided to run for president, reversing an earlier decision.
Saed Nimr, head of the campaign to free Barghouti from an Israeli jail, confirmed the candidacy. According to The AP, his office said Barghouti's campaign paid a $3,000 deposit Wednesday and that his wife was preparing to submit formal registration documents before a midnight deadline.
Fatah officials have warned that a bid by Barghouti could split the movement. Barghouti would have to run as an independent candidate.
Barghouti, who represents the younger generation in Fatah, on Friday announced he would drop out of the race for the sake of unity.
