Tourism Minister (Yisrael Beitenu) Stas Misezhnikov this morning told party leader Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman that he was retiring from political life after receiving an unrealistic slot on the party list on Monday. The announcement preceded an expected declaration by Lieberman to oust him amid report of his excessive alcohol abuse and unacceptable lifestyle.

** MK Anastasia Michaeli has resigned from Yisrael Beitenu, writing on her Facebook the decision was compelled by “personal reasons”. She was dropped from the party’s list on Monday.

** A sharp drop in temperatures and rain expected throughout most of Israel during the afternoon hours.

** Nurses around the country continue to strike. The next negotiating session is set for Wednesday.

** The Knesset House Committee officially approved a request from R’ Chaim Amsellem to leave Shas. When Amsellem left Shas to launch his Am Shalem Party, he did so using his Shas mandate.

** Jordanian media reports King Abdullah II is set to visit Ramallah on Thursday to meet with Abu Mazen.

** Carrying out a High Court ruling, the IDF razed an illegal building used as a mosque in the S. Hebron area. Arabs claim soldiers damaged a number of Korans in that location.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)