Ya'alon resigns from Israel government, citing lack faith in Netanyahu

JERUSALEM, May 20 (UPI) -- Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon announced his resignation from parliament Friday, citing a lack of faith in the policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The decision came after Netanyahu announced Ya'alon would be replaced as defense minister by Avigdor Lieberman in an attempt to bring Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu party into Netanyahu's coalition in the Knesset, the Israeli parliament.

Netanyahu disagreed with Ya'alon's support of beleaguered Israel Defense Forces chief Maj. Gen. Yair Golan; Ya'alon has been critical of Netanyahu's support of an Israeli soldier who shot and killed a disarmed Palestinian stabbing suspect in Hebron in March.

"I notified the prime minister this morning that in the wake of his behavior during the latest developments, and in light of my lack of faith in him, I am resigning from the government and the Knesset and taking a break from political life," Ya'alon said in a statement.

Ya'alon will be replaced in the Knesset by Yehuda Glick.

The elevation of Lieberman to the defense ministry post drew widespread criticism, including from Netanyahu supporters. Lieberman is regarded as an outspoken populist who has threatened to kill Hamas leaders and referred to Arab legislators in Israel as traitors.