Yisrael Beitenu party leader Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman insists the ongoing police investigation alleging widespread government corruption is an attempt to harm his party’s image in the upcoming elections. Lieberman and other party officials have commented to the media that prior to the last election there was an investigation against him, and he was exonerated but the timing cannot be viewed as coincidental.

Releasing messages to the media Israel Police Chief Yochanan Danino stated the allegations are simply untrue and the investigation is in no way directed at Yisrael Beitenu or any political party.

It should be pointed out that among the 30 officials arrested in the case, five are from Yisrael Beitenu. However, some point out the number is perhaps less significant than the positions held by these people, including a deputy minister and a former cabinet minister.

Danino added that Israel Police has proven over the years that it will fight corruption on any level and the department will continue to do so but in this case, the allegations that the investigation is politically motivated have no basis in fact.

Lieberman added that he is confident that his voters will see though the smoke screen and vote for the party. A poll released by Channel 2 News on shows Lieberman’s party earning 10 seats, as compared to the 13 seats in the current Knesset.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)