Lieberman Proposes Israeli-Jordanian Confederation in West Bank Areas A and B

Former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman unveiled a political plan for the West Bank on Sunday, centered on dismantling the Palestinian Authority, abrogating the Oslo Accords, and establishing an Israeli-Jordanian confederation in Areas A and B. Under this proposal, Israel would retain security responsibility throughout the West Bank and maintain Israeli territorial contiguity. Jordan, meanwhile, would be responsible for public order and managing the daily lives of Palestinians in these areas.

Lieberman's plan is based on the 1987 "London Agreement," which addressed Jordanian involvement in resolving the Palestinian issue, presenting his proposal as an "upgraded version." The plan stipulates that Israel would annex Area C, while Areas A and B would be managed by the joint mechanism with Jordan. He stated the move aims to prevent both the establishment of a Palestinian state and the creation of a power vacuum that could allow Hamas and Islamic Jihad to seize control of the West Bank.

Lieberman also sharply criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu, warning that approving Palestinian parliamentary elections could lead to Hamas taking over the West Bank. He cautioned that Israel has a limited window to act before a potential shift in U.S. policy, asserting that without Israeli initiative, the international community will move towards recognizing a Palestinian state.

Regarding Gaza, Lieberman outlined a separate strategy: the complete elimination of Hamas's military and civilian wings by the IDF, followed by the transfer of the Strip's administration to an external entity acceptable to the Arab world and the international community.