Whitewashing it in high places doesn’t surprise. Israeli injustice is longstanding. It’s systemic. Avigdor Lieberman’s acquittal on serious charges is the latest example. Imagine. Palestinian children accused of stone throwing are detained, isolated, interrogated, intimidated, terrorized, fined and at times imprisoned. It’s standard practice whether or not they did anything. Lieberman reflects the worst of Israeli politics. He’s a former nightclub bouncer. He’s an ultranationalist extremist. He represents Israel’s lunatic fringe. He’s a latter day Kahanist. In 1988, Israel outlawed his Kach party. It was called a “threat to national security.” Lieberman founded and leads the hard right Yisrael Beiteinu party. He was a Netanyahu coalition partner. He’s Knesset member. He’s morally, ethically and legally challenged. He was foreign minister and deputy prime minister. Serious charges forced his resignation. Acquittal lets him return. He’s a serial felon. He deserves prison, not high office. A decade earlier plea bargain avoided harsh punishment. He assaulted a young boy. He copped a plea, paid a small fine, and got off virtually scot-free. Clear evidence showed he’s guilty of bribery, embezzlement, money laundering, obstruction of justice, and breach of trust. In mid-December, Israeli Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein dropped major charges. Fraud and breach of trust remained. They related to former Belarus ambassador, Ze’ev Ben Aryeh. Documents show Lieberman secured his appointment in return for services rendered. He promoted his ambassadorship to Latvia. Bribery was involved. He denied guilt. He lied. He’s a serial liar. Conviction would have forced his Knesset resignation. Prison for three months or longer prohibits a former MK from seeking a Knesset seat for seven years after completing his or her sentence. Haaretz once called Lieberman the “reigning champion of extrication from possible criminal indictment.” He’s got much to answer for. He was confident of acquittal. He was right. Israeli justice is virtually none at all. In August 2009, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was indicted in three corruption cases. They related to Rishon Tours as well as the Talansky and Investment Center affairs. On January 5, 2012, he and 17 others were indicted for allegedly giving or receiving bribes related to various real estate deals. He was charged with taking amounts worth 1.5 million NISs (Israeli New Shekels).
Posted on: Fri, 08 Nov 2013 19:08:38 +0000