Defense Minister Quits Politics Citing ‘Lack of Trust’ in Netanyahu

Jerusalem, 20 May, 2016 (TPS) -- Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon announced on Friday that he is quitting his position and political life due to a “lack of trust” in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The move follows a deal struck by Netanyahu to replace Ya’alon as defense minister with MK Avigdor Liberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party.

“I informed the prime minister this morning that, due to his conduct during recent developments and the lack of trust in him, I am quitting the government and the Knesset and am taking a break from political life,” Ya’alon wrote on Twitter.

Netanyahu and Ya’alon, both members of the Likud party, have publicly butted heads recently over a series of issues related to the independence of the IDF top brass from its political leadership.

Ya’alon said that he would deliver a speech at 12:00 in Tel Aviv.