In a slap in the face to the state prosecution, Yisrael Beitenu party leader Avigdor Lieberman a short time ago was acquitted, found not guilty of all charges against him.

Lieberman, who stepped down as foreign minister after indictments were filed against him maintained his innocence, always exhibiting a confident exterior that this day would come. On Wednesday morning, 3 Kislev 5774, a three justice panel of the Jerusalem Magistrate Court dismissed the charges against Lieberman. The indictment against him included charges of bribery, breach of trust, and money laundering. This indictment was the culmination of charges and investigations against Lieberman dating back 17 years and it is assumed the verdict handed down will bring an end to his legal woes.

Issuing a brief statement to the press following the defeat, the state prosecutor handling the case stated “we are going to review the ruling and weigh our options”. Interestingly, the prosecution during recent months boldly told the press it was unwilling to offer Lieberman any compromise deal and was adamant in pressing for multiple convictions and the moral turpitude clause which would have left Lieberman out of the political arena for seven years.

In his short statement to the press, Lieberman thanked his family and the public for their continued support, confirming this brings an end to his 17 years of harassment adding he does not plan to discuss this aspect of his life any further.

Most believe that as a result of the court’s ruling Lieberman will shortly resume his former post as the foreign minister, which has been held open for him since the Knesset elections.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)