Israeli Defense Minister Resigns

"What happened yesterday - the ceasefire with Hamas - was a surrender to terror," Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman told reporters today as he announced his resignation, referring to the ceasefire agreement reached by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration with Hamas in Gaza,Reutersreport

"I cannot look the people of the south in the eye if I remain in office," Mr. Lieberman said, referring to the Israelis being targeted by Hamas before yesterday's ceasefire. "What we are doing is buying short-term peace at the cost of long-term damage to our national security."

He said his resignation would take effect within 48 hours of submitting an official letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu, and he would withdraw his Israel Beitenu party from the ruling coalition.

Formerly Israel's foreign minister, Mr. Lieberman has served as defense minister since May 2016 and has supported Israel's tough military action against Hamas, the Islamist militant group that controls the Gaza Strip.

Violence in the Gaza Strip in recent days has left seven Palestinian civilians dead and 27 Israelis injured, while the Israeli air force has carried out airstrikes targeting Hamas buildings. In response, Hamas has launched some 450 rockets and mortar shells towards Israel.

The Egyptian-brokered ceasefire was declared yesterday. Hamas saw it as a victory over Israel and many of its members took to the streets to celebrate.

With Mr. Lieberman's resignation, Prime Minister Netanyahu's coalition only controls 61 of the 120 seats in Parliament and an early election as called by Lieberman could be held.