Israel's Barak to quit politics

Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak said today that he is quitting politics and will not run in general elections in January.

Mr Barak, who is also a former prime minister, said he will stay on in his current post until after a new government is formed following the January 22 elections.

He made the announcement today at an abruptly called news conference.

Recent polls have showed Mr Barak's breakaway Independence Party gaining momentum after Israel's recent military offensive in the Gaza Strip.

He said he has been wrestling with the decision for several weeks but wanted to spend more time with his family.

Mr Barak and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who enjoyed a close working relationship for most of the past four years, have reportedly fallen out over whether to defer to the US on any attack against Iranian nuclear facilities.

Mr Barak’s detractors in Mr Netanyahu’s Likud Party wanted him replaced.