In Israel, the environment minister has resigned over the appointment of right-wing, ultranationalist politician Avigdor Lieberman as defense minister. Environmental Protection Minister Avi Gabbay announced his resignation.

Avi Gabbay: “I was unable to swallow the frog that landed this week, a year after I was appointed—the sacking of General Moshe 'Bogie' Ya’alon and appointment of Avigdor Lieberman as defense minister. This is, in my eyes, an extraordinary move even for the cynical world of politics.”

Avigdor Lieberman is considered to be one of the most hawkish politicians in Israel.