Sections
Log in
Top News
U.S. News World News Featured Voices
Odd News
Entertainment
Movies Music TV
Sports
Soccer NFL NBA MLB NHL Golf Horse Racing Tennis Col. Football Col. Basketball
Photos
News Entertainment Sports Features Archives
More...
Defense Featured Science Health Archive Almanac
About Feedback
About Feedback
Search
Trending
Vladimir Putin
Moon lander
High-speed train
SeaWorld rescue
Japan embarrassed
Guinness bunny
Deputy AG
Obama library
800-mph flight
Allison Janney
Collins sisters
World News
Updated Nov. 14, 2018 at 3:49 PM

Israeli defense minister quits over cease-fire with Hamas

By
Nicholas Sakelaris
Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman resigned Wednesday to protest Israel's cease-fire with Hamas. File Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI | License Photo

Nov. 14 (UPI) -- A new cease-fire between Israel and Hamas led Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman to resign in protest Wednesday.

The truce was reached Tuesday as tensions at the Gaza border increased in recent months, a concern for some in the Israeli government that they are caving in to terrorists.

Lieberman wants Israel to take a harder line against the Palestinians, who launched 500 rockets in Gaza earlier this week.

"I have tried to remain a faithful member of the Cabinet and to make heard another view, even at great electoral and political price," Lieberman said, adding the cease-fire with Hamas "cannot be interpreted in any way other than a surrender to terror. This will severely harm our security in the long term."

RELATED Israel launches airstrikes in Gaza, destroys Hamas TV station

He also said the riots at the Gaza border will continue during the cease-fire.

"Hamas isn't talking about coexistence and recognition of Israel."

Several other Israeli politicians say they are next in line for the defense minister position. Some believe Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could have an election to fill the seat immediately, which would put Netanyahu's one-seat majority at risk by leaving the seat open to rivals.

RELATED Gaza: Hamas threatens to launch rockets deeper into Israel

Earlier this week, Lieberman said there is no path to an agreement with Hamas and urged leaders to deal "the most severe blow we can." He did not support a ground invasion.

"We have enough ways to restore quiet and calm without a ground invasion," Lieberman said. "In my opinion, even if we kill 40,000 Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists, it is not worth losing one Israeli life."

Israelis who live near the Gaza border were bombarded with hundreds of rockets from Hamas this week, while Israel Defense Forces launched their own airstrikes on Gaza.

RELATED Trial starts for man, 94, accused of being Nazi camp guard

Many agree with Lieberman's stance and started protesting the cease-fire.

Netanyahu, in a memorial for first Israeli Prime Minister David Ben Gurion, said the decision to broker a cease-fire was a crucial one that the public may not agree with.

"At these moments, leadership is not about doing the easy thing, leadership is about doing the right thing, even if it is difficult," he said.

It's been a bloody week for both sides, with Israelis sneaking into Gaza for an intelligence mission Sunday that got exposed. That led to the death of seven Palestinians and one Israeli officer. Hamas retaliated with rocket attacks while Israel launched airstrikes.

  • Topics
  • Benjamin Netanyahu
  • Ben Gurion
  • Gaza
  • Hamas
  • Avigdor Lieberman
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more UPI news and photos.

Trending Stories

Trump plans to nominate Rosen for deputy attorney general
Native American tribe fears border wall will destroy historic cemetery
Virgin flight hits record 801 mph due to powerful jet stream
Forecast says new winter storms could affect 200M in U.S. this week
Trump administration to cancel $929M for California high-speed rail project

Photo Gallery

 
Beijing celebrates annual Lantern Festival

Latest News

Israel Aerospace Industries shows off 'loitering' missile at India air show
PGA's John Daly does burger curls, drinks beer in 'intense' workout
Daniel Kaluuya, Lakeith Stanfield to star in Fred Hampton film
Ethics watchdog declines to certify Wilbur Ross disclosure report
Hugh Jackman earns Guinness World Record for Wolverine role
 
Back to Article
/
Back to top
About UPI Contact Feedback Advertisements Submit News Tips
Copyright © 2019 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Terms of UsePrivacy Policy