Lieberman on coalition rift: 'People over-excited with media'
48 hours before verdict on fraud charges, MK Lieberman jabs at 'good but inexperienced' coalition, congratulates settlement construction
"People are a bit over-excited with the media," he added.
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Lieberman is expecting a verdict on his trial on charges of fraud and breach of trust on the Ambassador Zeev Ben Aryeh affair. Should he be cleared, he is expected to reassume the office of foreign minister.
Asked if he is anxious about the looming verdict, Lieberman smilingly answered: "The judges have another debate after mine at 10:00, so it's clear this shouldn't take long."
On Monday's faction meeting, Lieberman added that he has witnessed several coalition rifts over the past two days, and suggested to Netanyahu that "you and Coalition Chairman Yariv Levin form a weekly forum for the party heads, in order to go over all the problems."
Lieberman also commented on the issue of the release of Palestinian prisoners as part of the ongoing peace talks, and urged a "top tier debate" over the Shamgar Report, which recommended set criteria for the release of Palestinian prisoners be formed.
The former foreign minister also congratulated the new construction plans for the West Bank and east Jerusalem.
PM: No interim deal mentioned
During the faction meeting MK Tzipi Hotovely asked the prime minister if negotiations are held with the Palestinian on an interim agreement. "No interim deal was mentioned to me," Netanyahu replied, and added: "There's been no movement on the Palestinian stance since 1993, and we stand our ground: No right of return, unified Jerusalem and recognition of Israel as a Jewish state."
At the beginning of the meeting Netanyahu again referred to the Iranian issue: "Today in Tehran the masses are roaring 'death to America.' They mark for the 34th time the revolutionary forces storming the American embassy. There's no need to say that they also shout 'death to Israel.'
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"Those who want to see the Iranian regime's true visage should see what's happening there today."
When asked whether he wishes Lieberman luck with his trial, he answered: "I wish him, and everyone, good luck."
Attila Somfalvi contributed to this report
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