Israeli Defense Minister Resigns Citing ‘Lack of Trust’ in Netanyahu

Associated Press
Updated
Reports suggest the prime minister will appoint former Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman in his place

(JERUSALEM) — Israel’s defense minister has announced his resignation, citing a lack of ‘trust’ in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Moshe Yaalon posted on Facebook that he told Netanyahu Friday that “following his conduct in recent developments and in light of the lack of trust in him, I am resigning from the government and the Knesset (Israel’s parliament) and taking a time out from political life.”

Reports over the past few days indicate that Netanyahu intends to appoint former foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman to the post.

Lieberman, 57, is one of the country’s most polarizing politicians. Over three decades, he has at times been Netanyahu’s closest ally and other times a fierce rival. This week, Netanyahu invited Lieberman’s party Yisrael Beitenu to join his narrow coalition.