BICOM

Following his acquittal yesterday in a Jerusalem court, Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Lieberman is expected to imminently return as Foreign Minister, the verdict itself produced significant criticism of the state prosecution.

All three presiding judges agreed that Lieberman was not guilty of charges of fraud and breach of trust. Had he been found guilty, Lieberman may have been forced to leave politics. His acquittal was met with an almost instant message of congratulations from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said he looked forward to Lieberman’s “return to the Israeli cabinet so that we can continue to work together for the benefit of Israel.” Lieberman is fully expected to resume his role as Foreign Minister, having stepped down from the position in December ahead of the trial.

Congratulations followed from a variety of government ministers, including Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, who said “I am happy for [Lieberman] personally,” Finance Minister Yair Lapid expressed warm wishes on Lieberman’s “victory in court” and Economy Minister Naftali Bennett commented, “I am glad that Lieberman will be restored to the Foreign Ministry so that we can work together.”

The verdict placed the state prosecution and in particular Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein under scrutiny. Meretz leader Zehava Galon MK said “the acquittal requires an examination” of Weinstein’s conduct as he had “opted to file an indictment against Lieberman on a relatively inconsequential matter and close the more severe corruption case against him.” From the other end of the political spectrum, Likud Minister Gideon Saar said, “the State Attorney’s Office needs to take a look at itself” and work out how after an investigation of many years, three judges reached “absolute agreement… that Lieberman should be acquitted.” Writing in Yediot Ahronot, commentator Sever Plocker accused the state prosecution of viewing “every senior figure, political or economic, as corrupt by virtue of their position,” rather than constructing thorough cases.