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Liberman's exit offers Netanyahu chance to build new coalition

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must seize the opportunity of Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman’s departure to form a new Gaza policy and a peace-seeking coalition.
Palestinians burn a poster depicting Israel's Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman as they celebrate after Lieberman announced his resignation, in Gaza City November 14, 2018. REUTERS/Suhaib Salem        TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RC154FC040F0
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It is impossible to detect any damage inflicted on Israel’s deterrent or offensive capabilities by the Nov. 14 resignation of Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman. If anything, Israel’s deterrence and security stand to benefit from his departure.

His most recent contribution to Israel’s defense was his irresponsible Oct. 12 decision to cut off the fuel supply to the Gaza Strip. “Until violence in the Gaza Strip stops entirely, including the launching of incendiary balloons and the burning of tires near Israeli communities, the supply of fuel and gas will not be renewed,” he said. Liberman’s position was diametrically opposed to the advice of military and defense agency chiefs, who have repeatedly warned that a further deepening of the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip would only result in more violence. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu learned of Liberman’s move from the media. A few days later, he ordered the resumption of fuel and gas supplies to Gaza. The security cabinet also banned Liberman from halting humanitarian aid to Gaza without the approval of the government’s top defense and diplomacy forum.

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