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                    Israeli Defense Minister Quits Politics

   by VOA News

   Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak is quitting politics.
   In a surprise move Monday, Barak announced he will not run in the
   country's January elections, but will stay in his post until a new
   government is formed.
   Barak, 70, who is also a former prime minister, said he has "exhausted
   dealing with political life" and wants to spend more time with his
   family.  He also said he wanted to make room for others to serve in
   leadership positions.
   Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he respects Barak's decision and
   appreciates the defense minister's contributions to state security.
   Barak founded the center-left Independence party after splitting from
   the Labor party in 2011.
   He became a close ally of Netanyahu in recent years, but their
   relationship has become strained by differences in how to seek U.S.
   support for Israel's strategy toward Iran.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/israeli-defense-minister-ehud-barak-q
   uits-politics/1552900.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/israeli-defense-minister-ehud-barak-quits-politics/1552900.html