Liberman's Territorial Control Remarks Spark Netanyahu's Ire

Former Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman stated on September 23rd that Jordan should assume control over Areas B and C in Judea and Samaria. His party, Yisrael Beiteinu, later clarified that Liberman misspoke and intended to refer to Areas A and B. This initial statement drew sharp criticism from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his political allies.

In his interview with the "Be-Sheva" website, Liberman had proposed reaching an agreement with the Jordanians for them to handle security and administrative management of Areas B and C. Following the interview, Yisrael Beiteinu issued a correction, explaining that Liberman mistakenly said B and C instead of A and B during a podcast.

Under existing agreements, Area A is under the full civil and security control of the Palestinian Authority. Area B involves Israeli security control with Palestinian civil administration, while Area C, which includes Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria, is entirely under Israeli control.

Netanyahu reacted strongly on social media, accusing Liberman of being a leftist and questioning his proposal for the Jordanian army to control parts of "the Land of Israel." He urged Liberman to immediately retract his words. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also criticized Liberman, suggesting his proposal would mean relinquishing Israeli security responsibility in Judea and Samaria.

In response to the backlash, Liberman clarified his position, accusing Netanyahu of being the one who previously proposed a Palestinian state. Liberman stated that Israel must maintain full control over Area C for territorial continuity and suggested an agreement with Jordan for them to manage Areas A and B, proposing an Israeli-Jordanian confederation to avoid a power vacuum filled by terrorist groups. He concluded by criticizing Netanyahu for past actions, including supporting the expulsion of Jews from Gush Katif and releasing terrorists.