Israel's attorney general moved Wednesday to possibly indict Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman on fraud and other corruption charges, capping a decade-old investigation into the leader of the hawkish Yisrael Beiteinu party.
The announcement of the top justice official's intention to indict raised questions about the political future of Lieberman, who many suspect was preparing to challenge Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the next election.
The case also could destabilize Netanyahu's government; Lieberman has the power to bring down the coalition by withdrawing his party's adherence, though he has said that he does not intend to do so.
Under Israeli law, Wednesday's announcement begins an indictment process that still must be finalized. Lieberman has the right to request a hearing before that happens, which could take until fall to complete.
For years Israelis have been speculating about whether Lieberman, an ultranationalist Moldovan native who draws large support from Russian immigrants, would face criminal charges in an investigation that has focused on allegations that he received millions of dollars through fictitious companies set up while he served in other government posts.
The statement that Atty. Gen. Yehuda Weinstein issued Wednesday said Lieberman could face charges of fraud, aggravated fraud, breach of trust, money-laundering and harassing a potential witness. An earlier accusation of bribery was not included in the draft indictment.
Lieberman has consistently denied the allegations, calling the probe a political witch hunt. "I have always abided by the law and I have no reason for concern," he said Wednesday. "I am a man of my word."
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