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Israel-Palestine-Jordan
Ehud Barak to retire from politics
2012-11-26
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak has announced that he will retire from political life and won't run in the upcoming elections.

During a surprise press conference on Monday morning, Barak said, "There are many ways to contribute to the state, politics isn't the only one. My decision to retire stems from my desire to devote that time to my family, and also because I have never felt that politics was the height of my ambition."

He said, "I believe that it is important to make way for fresh faces – a turnover in positions of power is a good thing. I made the decision not without qualms but ultimately with a whole heart."

He added that he will continue to serve as defense minister until the next elections. When asked whether he could serve as the next defense minister as a non-elected official, he said the question is "irrelevant."
Posted by:ryuge

#7  Israel's successful live-fire exercise tested the IDF mobilization scheme, highlighted the Iranian connection and undoubtedly made visible a number of Iranian communications and logistics venues. It also put a little Rabbi Mint in the Hildebeast's mouth as she trek'd through Israel. Short-term benefits, long-term benefits... all bases covered.

Posted by: Besoeker   2012-11-26 11:14  

#6  The Israelis agreed to the ceasefire because they got what they wanted --

  • They whacked a bunch of Hamas bad boyz

  • They demonstrated that Iron Dome works

  • They demonstrated that Egypt won't materially help Hamas

  • The round is over, so the Israelis felt good about going to their corner and getting ready for the next round.
    Posted by: Steve White   2012-11-26 11:02  

    #5  the third or the fourth time?

    Fourth, I think.
    Posted by: Pappy   2012-11-26 10:57  

    #4  adds to the mystery of what's going on here. why did they agree to the ceasefire in Gaza? where do they stand vis-a-vis Iran? the differences between Barak and Netanyahu have been growing stronger every week. only time will tell - what this really means.
    Posted by: Raider   2012-11-26 10:01  

    #3  This was a test. This was only a test. Had this been an actual alert, you would have been advised to turn to........
    Posted by: Besoeker   2012-11-26 09:10  

    #2  Somebody didn't want a ceasefire.
    Posted by: Skidmark   2012-11-26 07:43  

    #1  Now let me see: is it the third or the fourth time?
    Posted by: g(r)omgoru   2012-11-26 07:26  

    00:00