Israel Police officials told justices of the High Court that they are certain Avigdor Lieberman today is committing the very crimes he stands alleged of committing in the ongoing investigation against him.

The court was not too impressed and demanded a response to Lieberman’s petition, seeking the closure of investigations against him which have been ongoing for nine years.

Police and the prosecutor signaled the case is nearing an end, and shortly after Lieberman is sworn in as a cabinet minister, he will likely be questioned under warning.

Despite the self-assured position exhibited by police officials of the fraud division, the court instructed the state to wrap up the case, informing the prosecution an update is expected within two months.

The investigation deals with alleged crimes committed by Lieberman in 2006 as well as tying to an earlier investigation that began in 2000. Allegations against the Yisrael Beitenu Party leader include accepting bribes, fraud, breach of trust and money laundering.

Opponents of Lieberman are especially critical that his party wields so much power in the incoming administration considering the investigations against him. They explain he will be a senior minister, and his party will select the justice minister and hold the public security ministry post, which oversees Israel Police in addition to other cabinet positions.

Despite concerns and objections, Attorney General Menachem Mazuz announced that presently, there is no legal reason preventing Lieberman from serving as foreign minister.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)