Plan for West Bank Demilitarization

In April 2024, the New York Times reported that Iran has flooded West Bank with arms for 2 years, aims to make it next flashpoint. Report details smuggling routes and complex network of terror groups, criminal gangs and Bedouin used by Tehran to ‘inundate’ area with weapons, ‘foment unrest’ against Israel. This makes the West Bank as unsafe as Gaza and requires a plan to demilitarize the west bank and integrate it into Israel for the safety of all citizens.

Establishing Preconditions for Demilitarization

• Bilateral Agreement: An agreement between Israel, the Palestinian Authority (PA), and key international stakeholders (UN, U.S., EU, Arab League) must be reached to support the demilitarization of the West Bank as part of broader peace efforts.

  • Demilitarization Clause: The agreement should include a formal clause that the West Bank will be a weapon-free zone, prohibiting military-grade weapons, militia groups, or foreign weapons smuggling into the territory.

  • Guarantees: Offer security guarantees to both Israelis and Palestinians, ensuring that demilitarization doesn’t compromise the safety of residents. This could involve an international peacekeeping force or a joint Israeli-Palestinian security council.

• International Oversight: Create an international body to oversee the demilitarization process, ensuring neutrality and accountability. This body would be composed of representatives from the UN, EU, Arab League, and major powers like the U.S. and Russia.

Phase 1: Gun Buyback and Amnesty Program

• Public Announcement: Launch a nationwide campaign in the West Bank to encourage residents to turn in illegal firearms, with an emphasis on preventing violence and protecting communities from external threats like arms smuggling by Iran.

  • Duration: The amnesty period will last 30-60 days, offering immunity from prosecution for possession of illegal firearms during this time.

  • Incentives:

    • Provide monetary compensation for each weapon handed over, graded by weapon type and condition.

    • In addition to cash, offer social incentives like educational grants, housing assistance, or job opportunities for families who participate.

  • Drop-Off Locations: Set up secure, easily accessible locations in major towns and cities across the West Bank where individuals can anonymously surrender weapons.

  • Community Partnerships: Engage local leaders and NGOs to help promote the program and assure residents of their safety during the process.

Phase 2: Martial Law and Search Operations

• End of Amnesty and Declaration of Martial Law: Once the gun buyback program ends, martial law will be declared to ensure order and enhance security in the region.

  • Curfew and Movement Control: Impose curfews and movement restrictions in sensitive areas where smuggled arms are suspected to be concentrated.

  • Israeli Forces Deployment: Deploy specialized Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) units to execute house-to-house searches with a focus on gathering intelligence about smuggling networks.

• Targeted Searches:

  • Search all houses, buildings, and structures in the West Bank in a systematic manner. Forces will prioritize areas with intelligence suggesting arms caches or smuggling activity.

  • Drones and Surveillance: Utilize drones and advanced surveillance to track suspicious activity and locate arms before physical searches take place.

  • Technology and Sniffer Dogs: Deploy weapons-detection technology and sniffer dogs to reduce disruption during searches.

Phase 3: Consequences for Non-Compliance

• Arrests and Legal Action:

  • If weapons are found in a residence, all adult family members will be arrested and prosecuted under Israeli law for illegal weapons possession.

  • Those found guilty will face imprisonment or deportation to Iran, depending on the severity of the case and their involvement in arms trafficking.

• Deportation to Iran: Individuals suspected of being directly involved in smuggling or terrorism will face deportation to Iran if confirmed through intelligence or after trial.

• Nonviolent Handling: Ensure that searches and arrests are conducted with minimal force to avoid unnecessary violence, and provide legal pathways for suspects to contest charges.

Phase 4: Long-Term Security and Stability

• Intelligence Sharing: Strengthen collaboration with international intelligence agencies to monitor and disrupt arms smuggling networks connected to Iran and other hostile actors.

• Security Infrastructure: Bolster checkpoints, border controls, and surveillance systems across the West Bank to prevent future smuggling.

• Economic and Social Support: Implement long-term measures to foster economic growth and social stability in the West Bank, which will reduce the appeal of arms trafficking and violence.

International Cooperation

• Diplomatic Outreach: Coordinate with neighboring countries and international bodies to address the broader geopolitical challenge of Iranian arms smuggling.

• Humanitarian Monitoring: Involve international organizations like the UN or the Red Cross to ensure that human rights are upheld during martial law and search operations, enhancing Israel’s global standing.