Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak announced on Monday that he will step away from politics after the new government is voted in following the Jan. 22 general election, according to The Associated Press. 

Barak, 70, is an Israeli decorated solider, the country's former prime minister and also a major influence on current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His resignation comes at a time when Israel is contemplating attacks on Iran's nuclear program - and the possibility that they are creating atomic weapons - and a signed cease-fire ending bloodshed between Israelis and Gaza militants. 

Barak led an eight-day military offensive against the Hamas militant group controlling the Gaza Strip that ended last week.

"I didn't make this decision [to leave politics] without hesitation, but I made it wholeheartedly," Barak said at a "hastily arranged" news conference in Tel Aviv, according to the AP. "I feel I have exhausted my political activity, which had never been an object of desire for me. There are many ways for me to serve the country, not just through politics."

His shocking decision left many wondering if he really thought through what he was giving up, however, he said at the conference that he had been thinking over the idea for a few weeks and the decision came largely because he wants to spend more time with his family. 

"I want to study, to write, to live and have a good time," he said to reporters. 

Netanyahu thanked Barak on his Twitter page for his service to Israel, and that he appreciated "his contribution to security of state."

Barak served in the Israeli Defense Force from 1959 until 1995. He was Israel's prime minister from 1999 to 2001 and has been the country's defense minister since 2007. 

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