Lieberman: In good company with Rabbi Ovadia
Foreign minister addresses claim that he received money from main suspect in Holyland affair. 'Today I was so happy to hear that I have not been forgotten and that my name has been mentioned finally,' he says sarcastically during Yisrael Beiteinu faction meeting
Speaking at the start of an Yisrael Beiteinu faction meeting, Lieberman said sarcastically, "In the past two days I was very disappointed. So many affairs – Holyland, the Israel Land Administration, the abduction of two women, and my name has not been mentioned in any of them.
"Today I was glad to hear that my name has finally been mentioned, not for the first time, and – God willing – not for the last time. In such good company, with Rabbi Ovadia Yosed. I'm glad I wasn't forgotten," Lieberman said. "I felt so much happiness in my heart. I'm satisfied."
Meir Rabin's lawyer said earlier Monday that his client was questioned in the past few days on suspicion of transferring money to Lieberman and Shas' spiritual leader, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, together with the state witness in the affair.
Lieberman's office responded to the allegations by saying, "This is nonsense that should not be dignified with a response."
Lieberman went on to address additional issues, including the peace process with the Palestinians. "I hope that all things go well and perhaps in a week or two the indirect negotiations with the Palestinians will finally be launched.
"The Israeli government has said from day one that we are interested in launching direct negotiations, without any delays and without preconditions. Naturally, special envoy Mitchell should be praised for all of his efforts.
"The main question on the agenda, at least as far as I am concerned, is what are the other side's intentions, and this is something we will have to clarify immediately upon launching those indirect negotiations. Is there even a partner there? Is there anyone to talk to? And what are the other side's intentions?"
Lieberman is up to his neck in police investigations on suspicion of receiving a bribe from a company which employed his daughter. The police recommended that he be indicted last summer on suspicion of taking a bribe, money laundering, fraud and breach of trust. Since then, the State Prosecutor's Office has been working on an indictment.
Last month there was a development in the investigation, when it was revealed that Lieberman received information about the investigation from the Israeli Ambassador to Belarus.
