Liberman Proposes Jordan Take Security Control in West Bank, Sparking Outrage

Avigdor Liberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has ignited a political firestorm with his proposal to transfer security and administrative responsibility for parts of the West Bank to Jordan. Speaking on the 'B'Sheva' podcast, Liberman stated that the Palestinian Authority is "bankrupt" and that a new entity is needed to manage the territory. He suggested reaching an understanding with the Jordanians for them to manage Areas B and C, assuming security and administrative control, arguing that "you cannot have a vacuum."

When questioned about his trust in Jordan and the potential deployment of the Jordanian army in the West Bank, Liberman responded that he was unsure if they would send their own army or establish units under Jordanian command. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vehemently rejected the proposal, stating, "Liberman, I knew you were on the left since you formed a government with Mansour Abbas. I know you are on the left because you will form a government with [Benny] Gantz, [Yair] Golan, [Naftali] Bennett, and the Arab parties. But I did not believe you would propose today that the Jordanian army control parts of the Land of Israel. Retract immediately!"

The proposal also drew sharp criticism from government ministers. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich attacked the idea, writing, "Listen to Liberman: the one who presents himself as a right-wing man 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 happen."

Minister Amichai Chikli also denounced Liberman's remarks, calling the proposal "a delusion from the land of delusions." He argued that introducing the Jordanian army into the West Bank would be a dangerous move, noting that Jordan is effectively a state with a Palestinian majority. Chikli warned of potential regime changes in Amman and compared the idea to introducing another Palestinian element into the West Bank, referencing the perceived negative outcomes of the Oslo Accords and the disengagement from Gaza. He further described the Jordanian government as "very weak, a broken reed," and raised the possibility of an Islamist and nationalist government rising to power in Jordan in the future, influenced by regional developments in Turkey and Syria. Chikli concluded by stating, "This man must not come near a security role."