Rosie Leaves 'The View' Early

In a surprising move, Rosie O'Donnell has decided not to return to ABC's talk show 'The View' after she and co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck had a big on-air argument over the war in Iraq Wednesday.

In a statement today, Brian Frons, the president of Disney-ABC's Daytime Television Group, said, "We had hoped that Rosie would be with us until the end of her contract three weeks from now, but Rosie has informed us that she would like an early leave. Therefore, we part ways, thank her for her tremendous contribution to 'The View' and wish her well."

Barbara Walters, the show's creator and co-executive producer, said, "I brought Rosie to the show. Rosie contributed to one of our most exciting and successful years at 'The View.' I am most appreciative. Our close and affectionate relationship will not change."

In a statement, O'Donnell said, "I'm extremely grateful. It's been an amazing year and I love all three women."

Wednesday's debate was the culmination of a fight that started on "The View" last week, when O'Donnell said, "655,000 Iraqi civilians have died. Who are the terrorists?"

Conservative critics said O'Donnell was calling U.S. troops terrorists. Wednesday, Hasselbeck said O'Donnell should clarify her statement.

"I asked you if you believed what the Republican pundits were saying," O'Donnell said to Hasselbeck.

"Did I say yes?" Hasselbeck replied.

"You said nothing and that's cowardly," O'Donnell shot back.

"No, no, no. Do not call me a coward because I sit here every single day, open my heart and tell people exactly what I believe," Hasselbeck shouted.

It became public in April that Rosie had decided not to renew her contract with 'The View' and was scheduled to leave the show on June 20. During Rosie's year on 'The View', ratings soared by almost 20%.