Israel Beiteinu Leader Proposes Jordan Manage Palestinian Daily Life in West Bank

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, unveiled a formal political proposal on Sunday that would assign Jordan responsibility for public order and the daily lives of Palestinians in Areas A and B of the West Bank. Under the plan, Jordan would manage Palestinian civilian affairs through a police force, while Israel would maintain territorial contiguity and overall security responsibility for the region. Lieberman stated that failing to define a final objective and take initiative would lead to Israel's future being determined by others.

Lieberman outlined three existing approaches to the West Bank: the annexationist stance of figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, which he believes would create a bi-national state; the approach of Yair Golan, advocating a return to 1967 borders and a Palestinian state; and Benjamin Netanyahu's policy of containment, which Lieberman predicts will ultimately lead to a US-imposed Palestinian state.

His proposed fourth option involves dismantling the Palestinian Authority and voiding the Oslo Accords. Lieberman explained that this alternative aims to restore security for Israelis, prevent a repeat of the October 7th attacks on Jewish communities, and avoid a power vacuum that extremist groups could exploit. It also seeks to prevent the establishment of an internationally recognized Palestinian state.

Lieberman emphasized the importance of security cooperation with Jordan, noting their shared 300-kilometer border and the stability it provides. He also differentiated between the West Bank and Gaza, suggesting that both areas require a credible external entity, acceptable to the Arab world and international community, to assume control. For Gaza, he called for the complete elimination of Hamas by the IDF, followed by the transfer of control to an external governing body.

Lieberman asserted that his proposal is practical, based on extensive regional knowledge and discussions with relevant parties. He expressed confidence in its implementability, believing that initiative, determination, and political courage can shape a better future.