Member of Knesset Dov Khenin of the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality – Communist Party of Israel (Hadash) welcomed, Monday, the announcement by Defense Minister Ehud Barak that he is leaving politics after the January Knesset elections.

MK Khenin said, “Barak’s resignation cannot hide his great responsibility four terrible years of political deadlock, damage the prospects of a political settlement with the Arabs and Palestinians and economic and social neo-liberal deterioration. Barak was the supporting pillar that enabled the existence of the most extreme right-wing government in Israel’s history. He cannot be released from this heavy historical responsibility.”

Hadash cartoon: Barak escaped again

In a press conference on Monday in Tel Aviv, Barak announced that after the “successful operation in Gaza,” he has decided to leave political life. He will not be running in Israel’s elections slated for January 2013, but will continue serving as defense minister until the new government is in place.