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Israeli Foreign Minister Lieberman Indicted

Major cases dismissed, but he may still have to resign his post

by
Adam Chandler
December 13, 2012
Avigdor Lieberman(AFP)
Avigdor Lieberman(AFP)

After months of speculation, state prosecutors announced that Israel’s Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman–Israel’s biggest bull in the China shop–has been indicted on a breach of trust charge.

Here’s what seems to be most important about this revelation:

–Lieberman was dismissed of the major charges with the biggest bite: money laundering and obstruction of justice

–It remains unclear whether or not Lieberman will be forced to resign his post. Lieberman’s lawyers claim there is a precedent that would allow him to keep his job

–Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already congratulated Lieberman for having the most severe charges dropped, a signal that Netanyahu isn’t going to dismiss him

–Semi-serious indictments seem to be a rite of passage for Israeli politicians on their way to the Prime Minister’s office. Lieberman may have just cleared himself a path.

Lieberman will have a press conference at 8 PM tonight in Israel. It should be a hoot. We’ll keep you posted!

Liberman Indicted on Minor Breach of Trust Claim [Times of Israel]

Adam Chandler was previously a staff writer at Tablet. His work has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Atlantic, Slate, Esquire, New York, and elsewhere. He tweets @allmychandler.