A right-wing party quit Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's government today, condemning his peace talks with the Palestinians and leaving him even more politically vulnerable.
Mr Olmert, who could face new calls to resign later this month when an inquiry into the 2006 Lebanon war issues a final report, had his majority in the 120-member parliament cut from 78 seats to 67 after Yisrael Beiteinu's defection.
But he said the loss of the coalition partner would not deter him from continuing to pursue a peace agreement with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
A statement issued by Mr Olmert's office said he believed the negotiations held "the only real chance of ensuring the peace and security of Israeli citizens".
Strategic Affairs Minister Avigdor Lieberman made good on his threat to pull Yisrael Beiteinu out of the coalition once talks with the Palestinians moved to "core issues" including borders and the fate of Jerusalem and Palestinian refugees.
"A few minutes ago, I spoke to the prime minister and I also gave him a written announcement of our departure from the coalition and my resignation from the government," said Mr Lieberman, whose party appeals to Russian-speaking immigrants.
"Negotiations on the basis of land for peace are a critical mistake ... and will destroy us," Mr Lieberman told a news conference. "It is clear to everyone that these talks will lead to nothing."
Israel and the Palestinians opened their most serious peace talks in seven years on Monday, urged by US President George W. Bush to reach a deal within a year.
But domestic troubles have weakened Mr Olmert and Palestinian