Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak Stepping Down

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak abruptly announced Monday that he was leaving politics and would not run in parliamentary elections in January, the Washington Post reports. Barak, who said he would stay in office until a new government is formed after the election, said he felt he had "exhausted my involvement in politics." Barak has held a number of government positions over the years, including prime minister in 1999, when he beat current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu said he respected Barak's decision and very much appreciated his contribution over many years to Israel's security.