Officials with Israel's Labor Party say leader Ehud Barak is leaving the party to form a new faction in Parliament. The decision throws Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition into turmoil, though it is not enough to rob him of his parliamentary majority. Barak, who is the defence minister, is expected to remain in the coalition with four other Labor breakaways. It's not clear whether Labor's eight remaining lawmakers will support the government. Several leading Labor members have criticised Barak recently for staying in the government at a time when peace efforts are stalled. Labor is the most dovish faction in an otherwise hardline government. A statement announcing the decision by Barak and four followers was obtained by a news agency. A formal announcement was expected later on Monday.