Israel’s Minister of Military Affairs Avigdor Lieberman Resigns, Acknowledges Defeat in Gaza

Israeli Minister  of Military Affairs  Avigdor Lieberman announced his resignation on Wednesday and urged early elections, calling the ceasefire in Gaza a “defeat”, according to al-Manar Tv website.

“What happened yesterday  is a defeat, is capitulating to terror. It has no other meaning,” Lieberman told journalists in explaining his reasons for resigning, al-Manar TV said.

“The political authority has failed to confront the Palestinians,” Lieberman said, calling for “more serious government.”

 “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 Netanyahu with only a one-seat majority in parliament.

Elections are not due until November 2019, but Lieberman’s resignation throws the government into turmoil, increasing the likelihood of an earlier vote.

H.M