JERUSALEM — Israel's foreign minister is urging the international community to help replace Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Avigdor Lieberman sent a letter to international Mideast peace mediators calling Abbas an "obstacle to peace." He wants them to push for Palestinian elections to choose a new leader.

Lieberman heads a hard-line party and is known for heated rhetoric that sometimes embarrasses the government.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly distanced himself from the letter Wednesday, while Abbas' spokesman, Nabil Abu Rdeneh, called on Israel and the international community to condemn it, characterizing as "incitement to violence."

Peace talks have been frozen since 2008. The Palestinians say they won't negotiate until Israel halts settlement construction in lands they claim. Israel says talks should resume without preconditions.