Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman resigns following Hamas truce

JERUSALEM – Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman announced Wednesday his resignation from the government, citing his opposition. a ceasefire with Hamas a day after the worst outbreak of violence with the militant Islamist group at the head of the Gaza Strip since a 50-day war in the summer of 2014.

The ceasefire the fire announced by Hamas on Tuesday night, was still Wednesday, although there has been no official confirmation by Israel of its acceptance. Residents of communities in southern Israel, victims of more than 400 rockets launched Monday night and Tuesday by militants in the Gaza Strip, protested against what they called the capitulation of the government to Hamas.

At a televised news conference, Liberman, who became defense minister in 2016, also said that he was unhappy to accept the terms of the ceasefire requested by the Hamas.

"What happened yesterday with the ceasefire and the whole process of reaching an agreement with Hamas is tantamount to surrendering to terrorism, there is no any other explanation, "said Liberman. "What we have done recently is to buy quietly in the short term, but we will end up paying a high price for our long-term silence."

He stated that his resignation comes after weeks of disagreement with the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an action on how to handle ongoing tensions with the Palestinian coastal enclave, which Hamas leaders have called destruction by Israel.

With the departure of Liberman, it is likely that Netanyahu will call new elections to strengthen his support as a leader. Political badysts and media commentators have long suspected him of wanting to hold elections before the end of his term.

Even though he runs a stable right-wing coalition, an earlier victory could help divert the attention of ongoing criminal investigations against him, which should result in an indictable indictment. to lead to a very public trial.

Netanyahu, who said in recent days that he did not think that there was a diplomatic solution in Gaza and had, at the same time, resisted military action, had organized a marathon meeting with his security firm, including Liberman, almost all day Tuesday. . A meager statement following the meeting only indicated that the Israeli army had been "instructed to continue its operations if necessary". Israeli news outlets subsequently announced that a ceasefire had been agreed.

The reluctance of the Israeli authorities to recognize a ceasefire underscores the delicate balance situation they face when trying to reach a long-term agreement with Hamas. Israel and Hamas have waged three deadly wars in 10 years. Outbreaks have become increasingly frequent in recent months, with Hamas urging residents to demonstrate against the fence along the border with Israel. More than 200 Palestinians have been killed in weekly protests, which Israel calls riots and cover for terrorist attacks.

On Wednesday, Netanyahu took part in a ceremony in honor of Israel's first prime minister, David Ben Gurion, on his grave in southern Israel, a region that faced rocket fire on Monday. and Tuesday.

"A leader must be attentive to his people and we have a wise people here, but in case of emergency and when he makes crucial decisions in the field of security, the public can not always be a partner of the crucial considerations, "he said. "In these moments, leadership is not about doing what's easy, but doing what's right, even if it's difficult."

[Botched Israeli army operation in Gaza triggers sharp escalation in violence]

Before the last outbreak, there had been signs of closeness between the two reaching an agreement to restore calm, at least for a short time. This would have required economic aid to Gaza, including an injection of funds and international reconstruction projects, in return for Hamas crackdown on border demonstrations and the prevention of the use of incendiary kites. launched from the other side of the border fence in Israel.

But on Sunday, the agreement seemed to be clouding after the revelation of a covert military operation under Israeli cover in Gaza, which resulted in an exchange of fire and the death of seven Palestinian militants, including a Hamas commander. . A senior Israeli officer was also killed.

The outbreaks of Monday and Tuesday resulted in new deaths in both camps. A man was killed in Ashkelon, an Israeli city, following a direct rocket fire and six Palestinians, including militants, were killed. Israeli air strikes.

Tamar Zandberg, leader of the leftist Meretz party, who went to the site of the rocket strike in Ashkelon on Tuesday, said the situation in Gaza was untenable for Israel and southern residents in particular.

"The problem is that the Prime Minister is always looking for short-term solutions. While I support short-term solutions, they need to be part of a longer process, "said Zandberg. "I think that as soon as there is a ceasefire, everything will have to be done to achieve a broader peace process."

Right-wing leaders in Israel disagree with Netanyahu's methods for various reasons and, like Liberman, push for more decisive military action to resolve the current tension.

Israeli Minister of Education, Naftali Bennett, leader of the right-wing Jewish Home party, fought back at attempts to negotiate an agreement with Hamas. On Tuesday, he told The Post that he was also opposed to a ceasefire with Hamas, in line with his position expressed in recent months.

Read more:

Israelis kill more than 50 Palestinians during demonstrations against the Gaza Barrier

[Tensions rise as Gaza militants fire more than 70 mortars, rockets into Israel]

[Tensions escalate as Israeli jets pound targets in Gaza in response to rocket fire]

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