Liberman Sparks Political Firestorm With Jordan-West Bank Proposal

Avigdor Liberman, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, ignited a political controversy in Israel on Wednesday with a proposal suggesting Jordan should assume administrative and security responsibility for parts of the West Bank. Initially, Liberman stated his idea pertained to Areas B and C, but he later clarified he meant Areas A and B. Under his revised proposal, he called for an alternative to the current administration in Areas A and B, while Israel would retain control over Area C and establish geographical contiguity within it. Liberman asserted that Israel should reach an understanding with Jordan for the latter to manage Areas A and B, warning that a vacuum in these areas could lead to armed groups entering. He expressed Israel's disinterest in managing the daily lives of Palestinians in cities like Nablus, Jenin, and Tulkarm.

Liberman's remarks drew sharp criticism from various Israeli political and settler factions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attacked the proposal, deeming the idea of the Jordanian army controlling parts of the West Bank unacceptable and demanding Liberman retract his statements. Liberman responded to the criticism by characterizing the "hysterical reaction" from his opponents as a reflection of despair and accused Netanyahu of political inconsistency.

The settler movement "Forum Kakhazirim LaBayit" condemned Liberman's statements, calling them "madness from a dangerous person" and accusing him of abandoning right-wing positions. The movement argued that transferring responsibility for parts of the West Bank to Jordan would compromise Israel's security.