Israel's Barak says he's quitting politics

(AP) 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.