Israel’s Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman yesterday announced that he will resign from his post and will not join Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government.
Israeli public radio quoted Lieberman as saying during a press conference that he will submit his resignation immediately.
Lieberman said: “Netanyahu’s upcoming government has no intention to construct new settlements or expand Jewish neighbourhoods in Jerusalem… the new government does not have the intention to undermine the Hamas regime in Gaza.”
“Netanyahu spoke out against the two-state solution before his election to a new term but he retreated,” Lieberman said, expressing his protest against Netanyahu’s apology to Arab Israeli voters for the remarks he made during his election campaign last month.
During his campaign Netanyahu said that if elected he would not allow the establishment of a Palestinian state. His remarks were condemned by the Palestinian Authority and the international community which demanded that he accept a two-state solution.
In spite of Lieberman’s sudden announcement, Netanyahu can still form a government that has the support of 61 members in the Knesset through an agreement with other right-wing parties.
The deadline for the formation of a new government is tomorrow.
Lieberman, the head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, said: “It is no secret that over the last few days we debated how to proceed. The dilemma was between principles and cabinet seats. I am happy to say we conceded on the seats. We could have gotten an enhanced Foreign Ministry and Immigration and Absorption portfolio.”
“But we came to the obvious conclusion that it would be the right thing from our point of view not to join the current coalition,” Lieberman added.