Lieberman surprised, "resigned as foreign minister and deputy prime minister"

Half an hour before Shabbos, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman announced - 24 hours after the decision to indict him on the case of the ambassador from Belarus - his intention to resign as foreign minister and deputy prime minister, and remove his immunity so he could stand trial.


Lieberman said that he made the decision despite consult with his lawyers which made clear that he does not have to take such a step, and also hinted that he hopes to reach a plea bargain before the elections.

Danny Ayalon will replace Lieberman as foreign minister until the election, however, on the Likud – Beitenu list Lieberman will stay as second place, and is expected to accept the role of senior minister in the new government - unless it is prevented from him, and then second place will be succeeded by Yisrael Beiteinu list - Yair Shamir.


On his Facebook account Lieberman wrote: "Today, I held meetings with lawyers and law campaign staff members. The legal opinion determines that I must not do so, given the circumstances of the case and details of the indictment, to resign from my commission in the government."

"Although I know I have not violated any laws, but out of a desire after so many years that there are legal proceedings against me, investigations and wiretaps, I can also put the matter that remains, that even senior jurists are in the opinion that it has no criminal aspects, behind me. The decision to resign as foreign minister and Deputy Prime Minister and as I announced yesterday to also remove immunities immediately, and after 16 years of investigations conducted against me I wish to finish the case quickly and without delays and clear my name absolutely.


A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the message: "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Lieberman and told him that he wished him success to prove his innocence soon and return soon to serve as an executive in the government."

Political system responds:

Avodah Party Chairman Yacimovich, expressed her satisfaction at the resignation of Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman. "It is obvious. Whoever has an indictment against him must not continue as leader even one more day. Lieberman severely hit the rule of law and the trust of his elected public and democracy. "


Hatnua, headed by Tzipi Livni, responded on the resignation of Lieberman: "Avigdor Lieberman did the right thing; we hope he wins the legal process."

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!