Full Breakdown
Israeli Politician’s Jordan Proposal Sparks Coalition Rift
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Core Proposal and Immediate Reaction
Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Liberman called for Jordan to assume security and administrative responsibility for Areas A and B of the West Bank. Within hours, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich denounced the suggestion, accusing Liberman of abandoning right-wing principles and demanding an immediate retraction.
Background & Context
Liberman has floated similar ideas before. In a January 23, 2025 interview with *Ynet*, he proposed that Jordan administer Areas A and B while Israel retained control of Area C. An earlier 2024 plan called for Jordan to manage Area A and Egypt to take responsibility for Gaza. These proposals contrast with his prior advocacy for unilateral Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and land-swap arrangements with the Palestinian Authority.
Official Statements & Responses
- Liberman clarified that his intent was an “Israeli-Jordanian confederation” in which Israel would keep “territorial continuity” over all of Area C while Jordan handled Areas A and B. He said the proposal aimed to prevent a security vacuum that could be filled by Hamas or Islamic Jihad.
Criticism & Opposition
Beyond the prime minister and finance minister, several right-wing figures joined the backlash.
- Ofer Winter called the proposal “crazy” and warned of a repeat of the October 7 attacks.
- Shas chairman Aryeh Deri labeled it a “danger to the right,” linking it to past disengagements and suggesting it could empower the Muslim Brotherhood.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Liberman’s initial remarks on the *Besheva* podcast referenced “Areas B and C,” leading many coalition members to believe he wanted Jordan to manage Area C as well. He later posted a clarification stating the proposal concerned only Areas A and B. The discrepancy remains unresolved, and Jordan’s official position on assuming such responsibilities has not been disclosed.
Data & Statistics
- January 23, 2025 – Liberman first outlined a Jordan-administered model for Areas A and B.
Verbatim Quotes
- “But I never believed that today you would propose that the Jordanian army control parts of the Land of Israel.” — Benjamin Netanyahu, prime minister
- “Listen to Liberman. Someone who presents himself as a man of the Right is proposing that we give up our security responsibility in Judea and Samaria and transfer it to the Jordanians! To the Jordanians! Liberman wants to take Israel back to the days of the Jordanian Legion. We must not allow that to happen,” — Bezalel Smotrich, finance minister
- “The State of Israel must create territorial continuity between all of Area C and maintain absolute control there. At the same time, an alternative must be found for administrative and security control in Areas A and B,” — Avigdor Liberman, Yisrael Beiteinu chairman
- “You have to reach an understanding here with the Jordanians, that they will manage the West Bank. Let them take security and administrative responsibility. You cannot have a vacuum,” — Avigdor Liberman, Yisrael Beiteinu chairman