BICOM

Moshe Ya’alon has officially stood down as Israel’s defence minister.

He was given a red carpet farewell yesterday at the Defence Ministry in Tel Aviv, inspecting IDF top brass and senior ministry officials. Avigdor Lieberman expected to take over the position, although an agreement to join the coalition has yet to be finalised.

During his resignation ceremony, Ya’alon praised the “level-headed and responsible group of people led by the chief of staff”. However, hinting at his differences with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he cautioned the generals: “Remember, an army needs to win, but we must remain human, even after the battle.” Netanyahu said that Ya’alon “ought to have continued to be a partner in the leadership of the country as minister of foreign affairs”.

In a dramatic turn of events last week, coalition talks between Netanyahu and Zionist Union head Isaac Herzog broke down. Netanyahu swiftly turned to Lieberman, who agreed to join the government as defence minister. Although Ya’alon was expected to be offered the role of foreign minister, on Friday he resigned from the Knesset entirely, saying he had “recently found myself in intense disagreement with the prime minister over values and professionalism”. Netanyahu and Ya’alon had a recent public disagreement over outspoken IDF officers. Ya’alon said that he would return to politics and public life, indicating that he harbours prime ministerial ambitions.

Although Lieberman is expected to become defence minister, the coalition agreement to bring Yisrael Beitenu’s five MKs into the government has not yet been finalised. Haaretz reports that the remaining sticking point is a new pension plan framework for Russian immigrants. Netanyahu defended Lieberman’s impending appointment, saying that the media was “fear-mongering” over Lieberman’s perceived military inexperience and support for hard-line measures. Netanyahu added: “I am looking out for the country’s future.”

Netanyahu also made clear that he intends to continue serving as foreign minister, leaving the portfolio free for a possible further expansion of the government.