BICOM

Israel’s Defence Minister, Avigdor Lieberman, resigned this morning and called for early elections.

Lieberman said he resigned because he opposed yesterday’s decision to agree a ceasefire with Hamas. He said the ceasefire “cannot be interpreted in any way other than a surrender to terrorists … this will severely harm our security in the long term”. He also said he opposed the decision to allow $15m of Qatari money into Gaza and to postpone the demolition of the Bedouin village of Khan Al Ahmar. Lieberman cited Palestinian sources who confirmed that “the first people to get that Qatari money are the families of rioters killed on the border.” “In the Knesset we pass a law to stop money to terrorists and then we send money to terrorists in Gaza” he said.

The decision leaves the Government with a wafer thin Parliament majority of 61 -59, a scenario in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously said is unworkable. Lieberman’s resignation has increased speculation that early elections could soon be called. Elections must be held by November 2019, but they are likely to be in February or March. Israel has a three month campaign, meaning elections could be called between now and December.

Lieberman decided he would be in a stronger position when elections are called by resigning now and setting out a clear and distinct position to Prime Minister Netanyahu, with the potential to win over right-wing voters who are unhappy with the Gaza ceasefire signed yesterday.

The Jewish Home party have reportedly claimed that it will only remain in the coalition if it receives the defence ministry portfolio. Under the current coalition, the Jewish Home party holds the education and justice ministries.

Following the Security Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Lieberman and Education Minister Naftali Bennett published statements opposing the ceasefire. Lieberman said he demanded a harsh and decisive response to Hamas.

Government sources have said that Prime Minister Netanyahu intends to temporarily take the job of Defence Minister, in addition to his other posts of Foreign Minister.