Bennett interview sparks backlash: Smotrich warns of ‘terror state’ in West Bank

In a wide-ranging interview with the public broadcaster Kan 11, Naftali Bennett—who previously served as the Director-General of the Yesha Council—outlined his vision for the future of Judea and Samaria. Bennett stated that all illegal outposts and communities built outside of Area C should be evacuated, asserting that "Areas A and B will be part of the Palestinian autonomy." This stance represents a notable framing of the territorial division established under the Oslo Accords, suggesting a permanent status for these areas outside of Israeli sovereign claims.

Right-Wing Backlash

The response from the right-wing flank of the current government was swift. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich characterized the proposal as a direct threat to national security. "Palestinian autonomy—meaning, a terror state in the heart of the country!" Smotrich wrote in response to the interview. The Finance Minister has previously warned that a future government involving Bennett would seek to reverse settlement achievements and dismantle farming communities in the region.

Other activists and political figures echoed these concerns. Right-wing activist Elisha Yered argued that the only way to thwart such a plan is through "immediate and widespread settlement" within the areas designated under the Oslo Accords. Meanwhile, Likud MK Avichai Buaron attacked Bennett’s principles, labeling him a "dangerous left-wing figure" and accusing him of misleading the national-religious camp.

Analysis and Outlook

Bennett’s comments come amid a period of heightened sensitivity regarding Israeli control over Judea and Samaria. While Bennett has historically branded himself as a staunch opponent of a Palestinian state, his current proposal for "autonomy" in Areas A and B is being interpreted by critics as a de facto acceptance of Palestinian sovereignty over those territories. This development highlights a deepening rift within the Israeli right over the long-term management of the conflict and the future of the settlement movement. As political maneuvering continues, the debate over the status of Areas A and B remains a central flashpoint for Israel's internal stability and its broader security doctrine.