Lieberman Unveils West Bank Plan Involving Jordanian Civil Administration
Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman proposed a new West Bank plan, suggesting Jordanian civilian administration in Areas A and B alongside Israeli security control, while calling for the total eradication of Hamas in Gaza.
Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beytenu, presented an official political plan for the West Bank, proposing that Jordan take responsibility for public order and daily civilian life for Palestinians in Areas A and B through a police force, while Israel retains territorial contiguity and ultimate security control across the entire region. Lieberman emphasized that defining a clear endgame is vital for Israel's future security.
Four Competing Visions for the Region
Outlining the current political landscape, Lieberman criticized existing approaches from various factions:
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The Right-Wing Proposal: Associated with Itamar Ben-Gvir, Bezalel Smotrich, and the Hilltop Youth, involving the annexation of the West Bank and Gaza, which he warns would create a binational state.
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The Left-Wing Proposal: Associated with Yair Golan, advocating a return to the 1967 borders and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
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The Status Quo: Attributed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which he described as containment pending international pressure.
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The Fourth Alternative: Lieberman's own plan, which entails dismantling the Palestinian Authority, annulling the Oslo Accords, and engaging Jordan to manage civilian administration while Israel secures the borders.
"If we do not define our ultimate objective and take the initiative into our own hands, our future will be decided by others," Lieberman stated.
Gaza Strategy and Regional Security
Addressing the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, Lieberman asserted that the West Bank and Gaza must be treated as separate entities. For Gaza, he called for the complete dismantling of Hamas—both its military and civilian wings—by the IDF, followed by handing over administration to an external governing body backed by the Arab world and the international community. Regarding Jordan, he noted that despite diplomatic tensions, security coordination remains robust along their shared 300-kilometer border.
