By NNN-KUNA
Ramallah : Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said that the withdrawal of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, headed by Avigdor Lieberman, from the cabinet would not affect peace talks with Palestinians.
Olmert said Wednesday that peace talks must continue, adding that peace would ensure security in the region and for Israel.
Lieberman, who is also Minister for Strategic Affairs, announced Wednesday his withdrawal from the cabinet after Olmert began peace negotiations with the Palestinians.
Olmert’s government will face another challenge later in January when a report on the Israeli failure in the southern Lebanon war of summer 2006 is issued. The Labor Party headed by Ehud Barak affirmed that it will withdraw from the government following the issue of the report.
According to political observers, Olmert’s international reputation would be boosted after the Yisrael Beiteinu party withdrawal, reflecting the Israeli prime minister’s sacrifice in order for peace to prevail in the region.