Netanyahu Slams Lieberman's Proposal for Jordanian Control in West Bank

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply criticized Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman on Wednesday for suggesting Jordan should assume administrative and security control over Areas B and C of the West Bank. Netanyahu expressed disbelief at Lieberman's proposal, stating, "I did not believe you would suggest that the Jordanian army would control areas of the Land of Israel. Retract immediately!"

Lieberman had previously stated in a podcast that Israel must "reach an understanding with the Jordanians, that they will manage Areas B and C and take security and administrative responsibility." When asked if he trusted the Jordanians, Lieberman responded, "They have no choice."

Netanyahu accused Lieberman of aligning with the left, referencing his past alliance with Mansour Abbas, and reiterated his demand for Lieberman to retract the statement.

Lieberman later responded to Netanyahu's criticism, clarifying his position. He reiterated that the Palestinian Authority is a terror organization, distinguishing between Hamas's focus on armed terror and the PA's focus on political terror. Lieberman stated that Israel must maintain absolute control over all of Area C, while simultaneously seeking an alternative for administrative and security control in Areas A and B.