Israel acquits ex-official in corruption case
JERUSALEM — A legal saga that has held Israel’s political system in suspense for years came to an end Wednesday when Avigdor Lieberman, one of the country’s most controversial and powerful politicians, was acquitted of corruption charges.
Lieberman had been under investigation since the mid-1990s on suspicion of money laundering and bribery without charges being filed. He was indicted in December on lesser charges of fraud and breach of trust in a separate case developed during the primary investigation.
The three-judge panel unanimously ruled Wednesday that Lieberman had not sought to promote an am- bassadorial appointment for Zeev Ben-Aryeh, who, as Israel’s top diplomat in Belarus, had given Lieberman confidential information about an Israeli inquiry on his affairs.
The judges wrote that Lieberman had “acted improperly” by failing to inform government authorities of the ambassador’s actions but that it did not constitute a criminal offense.
“After 17 years, I’m putting this chapter behind me,” Lieberman told reporters outside the Jerusalem courthouse shortly after the verdict.
His attorney Jacob Weinroth welcomed the ruling, while state prosecutors said they would consider their next moves.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Lieberman to congratulate him and welcome him back to the government.
President Shimon Peres also congratulated him and expressed sympathy for Lieberman’s legal struggles, while opposition leader Shelly Yachimovich urged the prosecution to continue fighting political corruption and appeal the ruling.
The acquittal leaves the prosecution and attorney general in an uncomfortable position after losing a highprofile trial seen by some as a f lagship case against corruption and by others as a personal vendetta.
After prosecutors announced that he would be indicted, Lieberman resigned as foreign minister late last year but kept his parliament seat. When Netanyahu formed his new Cabinet, he held on to the Foreign Ministry post, serving as caretaker until Lieberman’s legal and political fate was determined.
A conviction could have barred Lieberman from the parliament and government for years, in effect ending his political role.
The acquittal frees him to resume his political career, starting with the ministerial position that he may now reclaim.
Lieberman is a key ally of Netanyahu. Their two parties — Yisrael Beitenu and Likud, respectively — teamed up to form a joint list for the parliament in general elections in January.
But the two could also find themselves competing for Israel’s top leadership position, a post Lieberman is widely expected to seek now that his legal obstacles have been removed.