Lieberman proposes Jordanian role in West Bank Areas A and B, drawing Netanyahu criticism

Israeli opposition politician Avigdor Lieberman proposed that Jordan assume administrative and security responsibility for Areas A and B of the occupied West Bank under what he described as an “Israeli-Jordanian confederation,” drawing sharp criticism from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other government figures.

Lieberman, leader of the right-wing Yisrael Beiteinu party and a former defence minister, made the proposal during an interview with the Israeli outlet Besheva.

During the interview, Lieberman initially referred to Jordan assuming responsibility for Areas B and C. He subsequently issued a clarification saying he had meant Areas A and B, while Area C should remain under full Israeli control.

“You have to reach an understanding with the Jordanians,” Lieberman said, arguing that Jordan should assume both administrative and security responsibilities in the two areas. He suggested that this could involve Jordanian forces or locally established units operating under Jordanian command.

Lieberman said Israel should establish territorial continuity across Area C and maintain “absolute control” there, while finding an alternative to the Palestinian Authority for administering Areas A and B.

He described the Palestinian Authority as a “terrorist organization” engaged in what he called “political terrorism,” contrasting it with Hamas, which he accused of conducting armed terrorism. The characterization reflects Lieberman’s political position and is rejected by the Palestinian Authority.

Lieberman also said he opposed Israel directly administering the daily lives of Palestinians in West Bank cities such as Nablus, Jenin and Tulkarm, arguing that Jordan could provide an alternative administrative framework.

Netanyahu responded by demanding that Lieberman withdraw the proposal, accusing him of moving politically to the left and criticizing the possibility of Jordanian military forces exercising authority in parts of the West Bank. Other members of Netanyahu’s coalition also attacked the proposal.

Under the 1995 Oslo II Accord, Area A is under Palestinian civil and internal security administration, while Area B is under Palestinian civil administration with Israel retaining overriding security authority. Area C, which accounts for roughly 60% of the West Bank and contains Israeli settlements, remains under full Israeli civil and security control.