Liberman Proposes Jordanian Security Control in West Bank, Smotrich Rejects

Avigdor Liberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has proposed transferring security and administrative responsibility in parts of the West Bank to Jordan. Speaking on the "B'Sheva" podcast, Liberman suggested that Jordan could manage Areas B and C, citing the Palestinian Authority's perceived failure. He indicated that this could involve Jordan establishing battalions under its command within the West Bank, or potentially even deploying Jordanian troops.

Liberman stated, "Regarding Areas A and B, you need to find an entity to manage them. The Palestinian Authority is bankrupt, and you must reach an understanding with the Jordanians here. Let them manage Areas B and C, take security and administrative responsibility. You cannot have a vacuum."

When questioned about trusting Jordan to the extent of allowing Jordanian troops into the West Bank, he responded, "Look, they have no choice. I don't know if they will bring their army, or if they will establish battalions here under Jordanian command."

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich vehemently opposed the idea, accusing Liberman of seeking to relinquish Israeli security responsibility in Judea and Samaria and hand it over to Jordan. Smotrich declared, "Listen to Liberman: he who presents himself as a man of the right is suggesting we give up our security responsibility in Judea and Samaria and transfer it to the Jordanians! To the Jordanians! Liberman wants to return Israel to the days of the Jordanian Legion. This must not be allowed to happen."