Barak Quits Politics: "I Have Exhausted My Political Activity"

Less than a week ago Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak organized an eight-day military attack against a militant group...

Today, he's quitting politics. Although his term was supposed to extend into January 2013 he released a statement today saying, "I didn't make this decision (to leave politics) without hesitating, but I made it wholeheartedly."

He added, "I feel I have exhausted my political activity, which had never been an object of desire for me. There are many ways for me to serve the country, not just through politics."

Barak is 70 years old and had a 36-year career in the military before moving to politics. On the list of potential successors are Vice Premier Moshe Yaalon, a former military chief, and Shaul Mofaz, a former military chief and defense minister.

Bye Barak.