Liberman Proposes Jordan Administer Palestinian Areas; Likud Accuses Him of Leftism

Avigdor Liberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has proposed transferring security and civil administration responsibilities in Areas A and B of Judea and Samaria to Jordan. He argued in a podcast that the Palestinian issue is more pressing for Jordan than for Israel, stating, "They have no choice. Ultimately, the Palestinian issue is much sharper for Jordan than for the State of Israel." Liberman's press service later clarified that he meant Areas A and B, not C as initially mentioned, noting that Area A is under full Palestinian Authority control, Area B involves Israeli security oversight with Palestinian civil administration, and Area C is entirely under Israeli control.

Liberman elaborated that an understanding with Jordan is necessary for them to manage Judea and Samaria, taking responsibility for security and civil administration to avoid a vacuum. When asked about trusting Jordan, he replied, "They have no choice. I don't know if they will bring in the army or create battalions under Jordanian command." He also stated his opposition to Israel directly managing Palestinian life in cities like Nablus, Jenin, or Tulkarm.

Following Liberman's remarks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, through the Likud party's Russian-language press service, accused Liberman of leftism. Netanyahu stated, "I knew you were left-wing since you formed a government with Mansour Abbas. I know you are left-wing because you will form a government with Eisenkot, Yair Golan, Bennett, and Arab parties. But I did not believe that today you would propose that the Jordanian army should manage the territories of Eretz Israel. Immediately retract your words."

Liberman responded by accusing Netanyahu of being the one who previously advocated for a Palestinian state during a Bar Ilan University speech. He reiterated his view that the Palestinian Authority is a terrorist organization, distinct from Hamas in its focus on political rather than armed terror. Liberman asserted that Israel must maintain territorial continuity and full control in Area C while finding an alternative to administrative and security control in Areas A and B, suggesting a confederation with Jordan.

Shas party chairman Aryeh Deri also commented, saying Liberman had "forgotten what it means to be right-wing." Liberman further criticized Netanyahu's past actions, including supporting the release of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and facilitating Qatari money transfers to Gaza.