Israel’s defense minister announced his resignation on Friday, saying the governing party had been taken over by “extremist and unsafe elements” and that he no longer trusted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following reports that he was to be replaced.
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“The Israeli experience demonstrates that creating a diversified economy which is based on a highly educated workforce, modern industry and services is the key to the country’s social and economic success – something Azerbaijan may examine”, said Cohen and added that having a friend like Lieberman in a key position in the Israeli cabinet will help.
Mr Lieberman, who lives in an illegal settlement in the occupied West Bank, said of Arabs in Israel in a 2015 election campaign speech: “Those who are with us deserve everything”.
He has held a number of Cabinet posts in the past, including stints as foreign minister.
“In general, Israeli society is a healthy society, and the majority of it is sane and aims for a Jewish, democratic and liberal country”, Ya’alon said adding, “But to my great sorrow, extremist and risky elements have taken over Israel and the Likud Party and are shaking the foundations and threatening to hurt its residents”.
Netanyahu rebuffed Ya’alon’s criticism.
“The reshuffle in portfolios did not result from a crisis in faith between us”. He served as foreign minister in the previous Netanyahu government, but after elections a year ago said he would not join the coalition government.
Reports said Netanyahu had been considering offering the retired lieutenant general the foreign ministry as a consolation, though the offer was never made.
“I greatly appreciate the work we did together, day and night, for the security of Israel”, he added.
At the moment, Netanyahu governs the thinnest majority in the history of the Knesset with a one seat advantage in the 120-member parliamentary institution.
Netanyahu and Yaalon have had public disputes in recent days over the role of military officials in discussions of policy.
Mr Lieberman has a reputation for inflammatory comments and takes a hawkish stand towards the Palestinians. But Washington struck a more optimistic note. Polls suggest that Israelis preferred the popular Ya’alon to remain in his post. “Our bonds of friendship are unbreakable and our commitment to the security of Israel remains absolute”. But just as it seemed that Zionist Union were making progress, Avigdor Lieberman offered to open talks on joining the government instead.
Ya’alon had been under increasing pressure from hard-right opponents for his perceived liberal views.
Ya’alon subsequently called on IDF officers to “continue to speak their mind”.
Lieberman’s prospective appointment provoked fierce opposition from left-wing and centrist politicians.
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Moshe Yaalon (right) shakes hands with the man rumoured to be replacing him, Israel’s former foreign minister Lieberman.
