The resignation on Wednesday of Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman is rooted in political opportunism more than policy interest. Regardless, the result is that Hamas is newly emboldened, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on thin political ground.

On paper, Lieberman says his resignation is a necessary rebuke to Netanyahu’s military response following Hamas/Palestinian Islamic Jihad rocket attacks over the past four days. Those groups launched rocket strikes following a compromised Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip which led to the deaths of one Israeli and seven terrorists.