A-G to probe issue of PM saving FM role for Liberman

Justice Ministry source says there's low chance of a "legal problem" with Netanyahu "holding" post while Liberman on trial.

By YONAH JEREMY BOB
Liberman trial starts 370 (photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem/The Jerusalem Post)
Liberman trial starts 370
(photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem/The Jerusalem Post)
Attorney-General Yehuda Weinstein on Tuesday sent a response to the Movement for Citizens for Proper Administration and Social and Legal Justice (OMETZ), saying he would examine the issue raised regarding whether there is any legal problem if Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu “holds” the post of foreign minister for Avigdor Liberman while Liberman is on trial.
The letter specifically reaffirmed that “nothing herein expresses an opinion or takes a position on the merits of your request.” A Justice Ministry source played down the issue even more, saying the letter was mostly a “technical issue,” just conveying to OMETZ that its request was received, but that the chances of there being a “legal problem” were low.
Liberman previously held the post of foreign minister but resigned last year after he was indicted for fraud.
OMETZ requested that Weinstein formally declare illegal any arrangement by which the post would be held for Liberman, which Liberman himself has publicly bragged about.
But many prime ministers have held multiple portfolios in the past and it might be difficult to argue that even Liberman’s public bragging could constitute proof of any formal arrangement that could be analyzed on a legal level.