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Israel's Lieberman Resigns
Lieberman represents the extreme fascist right.
by Stephen Lendman
Lieberman and Netanyahu represent the worst of extremist governance. They're hardcore racists. They're ideologically anti-democratic.
They believe Israel has a divine right to persecute, torture, commit naked aggression, and dominate the region unchallenged.
Their extremism might make some despots blush. They menace Israeli society, the region and beyond. They should be in prison, not high office. More on Lieberman below.
On December 14, he resigned as foreign minister and deputy prime minister. He vowed to clear his dirty name of all charges. Incriminating ones go back over a decade.
He resigned five weeks before general elections. More on this below as well.
Years of investigation suggested major charges would follow. Only little fish face them. Big ones walk away or get off lightly.
Investigations into his alleged criminal wrongdoing began in the 1990s. In 2006, major malfeasance ones began.
On August 2, 2009, police gave prosecutors clear evidence of fraud, accepting millions of dollars in bribe money, embezzlement, money laundering, and obstruction of justice. They recommended indictment.
Others agree he's corrupt. On May 24, 2010, Israeli police also recommended charging him with breach of trust. He improperly received classified information about his criminal investigation.
Earlier, on September 24, 2001, in Jerusalem District Court, he admitted attacking a 12-year old boy. The incident occurred in December 1999.
It was in Nokdim settlement. A young boy hit his son. He didn't harm him.
Charged with assaulting and threatening a minor, Lieberman was convicted. He copped a plea, paid a small fine, and avoided harsher punishment.
Several times he said he'd resign as foreign minister, deputy prime minister, and Israeli Beiteinu party (Israel Our Home) leader. He'd only do it after a hearing if he agreed to one.
