Former Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman remains optimistic, releasing a statement after being indicted for fraud and breach of trust that he will return to his former senior cabinet post by springtime.

It appears that in the next government, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will act a foreign minister pending the outcome of Lieberman’s trial, to leave the door open should he emerge victorious. The actual running of the ministry will most likely be handled by the deputy minister, as is being done today.

Lieberman maintains that after over 12 years of police investigations against him, the closure of the major case against him, the indictment is nothing more than a police attempt to save face, a “political witch hunt” and he remains confident he will be acquitted and return to his former post as minister of foreign affairs.

In a related matter, the state is requesting a three justice panel of the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court to try the case explaining the alleged crimes were committed when Lieberman served as a senior minister. In addition, he heads a political party running for Knesset and therefore, the verdict will have widespread ramifications and this demands a panel of justices, not just one judge.

Israel Radio reports that Lieberman does not object to the move. It is now up to the court to decide.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)