Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir advocated dissolving the Palestinian Authority and displacing Palestinians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, while claiming that all areas of the occupied West Bank belong to Israel.
Speaking to Israel’s Channel 14, Ben-Gvir said there should be no distinction between Areas A, B and C established under the Oslo Accords. Ben-Gvir said, "All the land is ours. This is our country."
The administrative structure of the West Bank
The 1995 Oslo II Accord divided the West Bank into Areas A, B and C. Area A is under the full control of the Palestinian Authority, while in Area B, civil administration was assigned to the Palestinians and security control to Israel.
Area C, which covers approximately 60 percent of the West Bank, is under full Israeli control. Ben-Gvir’s remarks reflected an approach that does not recognize this administrative arrangement.
Threats against the Palestinian Authority and Palestinians
Ben-Gvir said he would dissolve the Palestinian Authority if he became defense minister. He also said he would work to advance the displacement of Palestinians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Ben-Gvir claimed that 60 percent of Palestinians wanted to "emigrate" and said he would hold weekly meetings attended by the relevant parties to manage the process, despite reports contradicting this claim.
Statement on the use of security forces
Responding to a question about how Israel would provide more security forces for the West Bank and Gaza, Ben-Gvir argued that fewer personnel would be needed if soldiers were given greater authorization to open fire and use force.
Ben-Gvir said he would lift restrictions on security forces. He also said police had more flexible rules than the army regarding the use of firearms against Palestinians.
Accusation against Netanyahu
Ben-Gvir said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously made various statements about the displacement of Palestinians and accused him of being insufficiently willing to advance the policy.
The remarks came as public opinion polls showing declining support for the governing coalition and gains for the opposition were drawing attention in Israel ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for October 27.
As competition among Israeli parties intensified, Ben-Gvir increased his threats against Palestinians, repeatedly visited Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and performed Talmudic rituals at the Western Wall.
