JERUSALEM, Nov 14, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor
Lieberman announced his resignation on Wednesday and called for early
elections after a sharp disagreement over a Gaza ceasefire deal, throwing the
government into turmoil.
“What happened yesterday — the truce combined with the process with Hamas
— is capitulating to terror. It has no other meaning,” Lieberman told
journalists in explaining his reasons for resigning.
“What we’re doing now as a state is buying short-term quiet, with the price
being severe long-term damage to national security.”
He added later: “We should agree on a date for elections as early as
possible.”
Lieberman also said his party was leaving Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu’s coalition, leaving the premier with only a one-seat majority in
parliament.
Elections are not due until November 2019, but Lieberman’s resignation
increases the likelihood of an earlier vote.
Lieberman, a security hardliner, heads the right-wing Yisrael Beitenu
party, which holds five seats in the 120-seat Knesset, or parliament.
Netanyahu has defended Tuesday’s ceasefire deal that ended the worst
escalation between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza since a 2014 war.