Attorney Yaakov Weinrott, who represented Avigdor Lieberman, told the press following his acquittal that the court’s decision was expected. Weinrott explained there was a significant gap between the accusations against his client and the state’s evidence, leaving only one possible outcome. Legal analysts are quick to point out the decision of the court is a major slap in the face to Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein and the Office of the State Prosecutor and eyes should be focused on them for insisting on moving ahead with the case against him.

Weinrott added that he is pleased that finally, after 17 years of being under a police magnifying glass his client can continue with his life. Weinrott cited the system must be amended to avoid such an unacceptable situation in which a person can be under investigation for such an exaggerated period of time.

When asked if he feels the prosecutor lost, Weinrott explained “this is not a soccer match with a winner of loser. We entered the court with each side presenting its case. We emerged the winner. There is no loser however.”

Lieberman is expected to take the oath of office and resume serving as Israel’s foreign minister; a post he was compelled to step down from when indicted 11 months ago. YWN-ISRAEL adds that now that he will be back in a senior cabinet post, he is more likely to break the partnership with Likud to rehabilitate his party that was at a disadvantage during the election since he was facing a criminal indictment. The partnership with Likud has left Yisrael Beitenu swallowed up by Likud.

It appears that for some politicians, democracy is holy when it serves their agenda. Moments after Lieberman’s verdict was announced opposition leader MK (Labor) Shelly Yacimovich called on the state prosecutor to reevaluate the cases against him and to file an appeal, unwilling to accept the acquittal. She told Israel Radio “he is corrupt and has been for years and this verdict is unacceptable”.

Other responses came from Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu who congratulated him and welcomed him back into the cabinet.

Bayit Yehudi leader Naftali Bennett congratulated him and cited he was victimized by the system for 17 years.

Housing Minister Uri Ariel congratulated “my friend” and welcomed him back to the cabinet.

The Land of Israel Legal Forum calls the court decision an indictment of the state attorney, Yehuda Weinstein, calling on him to step down from office. This call was echoed by the Movement for Quality Government.

Lieberman left the courthouse and headed directly for the Kosel where he put on a tallis and a yarmulke and was mispallel.

It should be added that the court did comment on Lieberman’s actions in a tone of disapproval but stated at no time were those actions a violation of the law.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)