Israeli defense minister Barak says he's leaving politics, will stay on until after elections

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak says he is quitting politics and will not run in general elections in January.

Barak, who is also a former prime minister, says he'll stay on in his current post leading the Defense Ministry until after a new government is formed following the Jan. 22 elections.

Barak made the announcement Monday at an abruptly called news conference.