The Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman has reportedly met exiled Palestinian leader Mohammed Dahlan in recent weeks, sparking speculation that the Israeli government was trying to replace PA head Mahmoud Abbas.

Mr Lieberman and Mr Dahlan both denied the reports, but Israeli website Walla claimed the pair met in at least two European capitals, including Paris 10 days ago.

According to Walla, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Mr Abbas that he had not authorised the meetings.

Mr Dahlan is considered to be a rival to Mr Abbas. He was head of the Gaza security forces until Hamas seized power in 2007 and was part of the Palestinian negotiating team at the Camp David talks in 2000. He was forced into exile in Dubai by Mr Abbas in 2011 after being accused of corruption, among other misdemeanours.