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Former Defense Minister: Netanyahu may quit election race if indicted for corruption

The head of the Yisrael Beytenu party says Netanyahu will be unable to form a coalition if any of the corruption cases in which he is involved advance.

By World Israel News Staff

Former Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman recently commented on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing legal woes, opining that the Likud party will win the upcoming April elections but that the current leader will be unable to form a government if indicted on corruption charges.

Liberman, who heads the Yisrael Beytenu party, stepped down from his position as head of the defense ministry after butting heads with Netanyahu repeatedly over Israel’s strategy in Gaza, among other issues.

He also speculated that Netanyahu may agree to exit the political arena before the elections in exchange for prosecutors dropping all charges in three ongoing corruption cases, which center on accusations of bribery and the exchange of political favors for positive media coverage (Cases 2000 and 4000) and financial benefits (Case 1000), Ynet reported.

Liberman did not provide evidence indicating such a plea deal is in the works.

While police recommended indictment for bribery in the corruption cases, Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit has not announced his decision on moving forward with the cases, which is expected this month. If the cases do proceed, prosecutors would only file final charges following a hearing, which could take as long as a year to occur.