Xinhua (Analysis)
November 9, 2012 - 1:00am
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-11/09/c_123932021.htm


 

Israel's Attorney General (AG) Yehuda Weinstein notified the Supreme Court Thursday that he will announce his decision on Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman's possible indictment within the next month.

In April 2011, Weinstein announced his intention to indict Lieberman on charges of breach of trust, aggravated fraud, money laundering and witness tampering.

He said that the consideration of Lieberman's indictment will not stop in light of the upcoming Jan. 22, 2013 elections, and that the reason for the delay is the need for additional reviews in order to finalize the decision about the indictment.

If indicted, the foreign minister would be forced to resign or be fired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israeli authorities have embarked on several investigations against Lieberman four years ago, suspecting he received from private businessmen millions of dollars between 2001 and 2008 while he was a member of the Knesset.

He is also suspected of receiving large sums of money via his daughter's company as well as receiving bribes from Austrian- Jewish businessman Martin Schlaf.

In the past, the AG has been criticized for "foot-dragging" in making a decision regarding Lieberman.

Netanyahu and Lieberman recently announced they will join forces and run together in a united list in the elections two months later. An indictment would temper with Lieberman's ability to be a part of the next government.




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