Netanyahu, Liberman Clash Over Jordan's Role in West Bank Areas

A sharp public dispute erupted between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Avigdor Liberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, over Liberman's proposal for Jordan to manage Areas A and B in the West Bank. Netanyahu vehemently attacked the idea, stating it would mean the Jordanian army controlling parts of the Land of Israel and demanded Liberman immediately retract his suggestion.

Netanyahu accused Liberman of being on the left, citing his past government formation with Mansour Abbas and his potential future alliances with figures like Benny Gantz and Arab parties. "I knew you were on the left since you formed a government with Mansour Abbas. I know you are on the left because you would form a government with [Gadi] Eisenkot, [Yair] Golan, [Naftali] Bennett and the Arab parties. But I did not believe you would propose today that the Jordanian army control areas of the Land of Israel. Retract immediately!" Netanyahu stated.

Liberman responded by referencing Netanyahu's 2009 Bar Ilan speech, where he expressed willingness to establish a Palestinian state. Liberman clarified his position, advocating for Israel to maintain full control over Area C, while seeking an alternative for administrative and security management in Areas A and B. He described the Palestinian Authority as a "terror organization" specializing in political terror, distinct from Hamas's armed terror.

Liberman explained his proposal aims to prevent a vacuum in Areas A and B that could be filled by Hamas or other militants. He suggested reaching an agreement with Jordan for them to manage these areas, envisioning a "Jordanian-Israeli confederation." He also criticized Netanyahu's past policies, including the disengagement from Gush Katif, the release of Yahya Sinwar and over a thousand other terrorists, and the transfer of Qatari funds to Gaza, asserting Netanyahu has no right to lecture others on security matters.

Liberman explicitly stated his opposition to Israel managing Palestinian lives in cities like Nablus, Jenin, or Tulkarm, emphasizing the need for an alternative administrative and security solution for Areas A and B.