Israeli foreign minister faces indictment hearing

Jan 17, 2012, 11:08 GMT

Jerusalem - Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman's lawyers began a crucial hearing at the country's Justice Ministry Tuesday, trying to persuade its chief legal advisor not to indict their client.

Attorney General Yehud Weinstein announced already in April that investigators had gathered enough evidence to indict Lieberman, 53, for fraud, breach of trust, money laundering and harassing a witness. But a final decision pended a formal hearing with his lawyers.

According to the draft indictment, Lieberman, of the ultra-nationalist Israel Beiteinu party, channeled millions of dollars to fake companies under his control and without reporting this to the Israeli tax authorities, when he was a lawmaker and minister between 2001-08.

A Justice Ministry spokeswoman said a second session was expected Wednesday. Both sessions would be closed to the media.

The attorney general is expected to announce his final decision within weeks after the hearing.

Lieberman has previously said he will resign if indicted. That would have far-reaching implications for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition.