Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman outlined a proposal on Sunday advocating for Jordan to assume responsibility for public order and everyday governance in Areas A and B of the West Bank, while Israel maintains territorial contiguity and security oversight. This plan aims to redefine control over Palestinian-populated parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip amid ongoing political debates ahead of Israel’s upcoming October elections.
Liberman, whose party is part of the opposition coalition seeking to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, warned that failure to act decisively could lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state dominated by Hamas across Judea and Samaria, the Jordan Valley, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. “If we do not take the initiative ourselves, we will end up with a Palestinian state under Hamas control,” he said.
The proposal calls for dismantling the Palestinian Authority (PA) and nullifying the 1990s Oslo Accords, which divided the West Bank into Areas A, B, and C, with Israel controlling Area C. Currently, approximately 500,000 Israelis reside primarily in Area C settlements, many of which Israeli law recognizes as legal and constructed on state land.
Under Liberman’s plan, an Israeli-Jordanian confederation would oversee Areas A and B. Jordan would be responsible for public security through its police force and managing the daily lives of Palestinians living in those territories. Israel, however, would retain responsibility for overall security and maintain territorial contiguity throughout the West Bank.
Liberman characterized the party or entity to govern the Palestinian areas as requiring serious acceptance by both the Arab world and the international community. He emphasized ongoing cooperation between Israel and Jordan on security matters, noting that despite diplomatic tensions, the countries maintain close coordination along their 300-kilometer shared border, which is key to regional stability.
Regarding the Gaza Strip, Liberman insisted there is no alternative to fully dismantling Hamas, including both its military and civilian branches, through Israeli Defense Forces operations. Following the neutralization of Hamas, governance of Gaza would be transferred to an external party to manage the territory.
Liberman also criticized opposition figures within his bloc, such as Democrats chairman Yair Golan, and took issue with Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who oversees settlement affairs through the Settlements Administration—a Defense Ministry body managing construction and housing in Judea and Samaria.
The Yisrael Beytenu leader framed his proposal as grounded in extensive experience and consultations with relevant regional actors. “I believe that through initiative, determination, and political courage, it is possible to change the reality and shape a better future for generations to come,” he said.
Liberman has held key security and diplomatic posts in previous Israeli governments, including defense, foreign, and finance minister positions. His party adopts a hawkish security stance, advocates the expansion of West Bank settlements, and supports separating religion from the state.