For some reason, I think that news of a criminal investigation of Joe Lieberman would make many Kossacks happy. This is not what I'm talking about here (although there is a Joe Lieberman connection - read the diary).
So... Just to make sure we are talking about the right* Lieberman - it's Avigdor Lieberman, the chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu (Israel is our home) party, that came in third in the 2009 Israel parliamentary (Knesset) elections, edging out the Labor party. This made Lieberman the go-to-guy for any coalition government... and he's not exactly a unifying figure.
Anyway, it looks like his role as kingmaker in the coalition government will be a short one, because he's about to get busted in a major criminal investigation.
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* And there is no Lieberman to the right of this Lieberman, to the best of my knowledge.
The oldest and arguably most influential Israeli daily Ha'aretz reports...
...information contained in thousands of documents delivered to Israel in September makes police feel confident that charges will be brought against Lieberman. If indicted he would have to resign from the cabinet but could continue serving as a member of Knesset.
Now, why this may be a good thing, and with some international importance. (image credit: csmonitor.com)
The last Knesset election was effectively a draw between the somewhat centrist Kadima and Likud, the traditional party of the right. Talks between the two parties about forming a unity government were not successful, and Netanyahu, Likud leader, approached Lieberman to form a coalition and block Kadima out. Given Lieberman's extreme views on many issues (calls for execution of Knesset members who would negotiate with Hamas, for loyalty oaths for the Israeli citizens, etc.), that would probably inflame more passions in the already messed-up region of the world. And that's not even mentioning Lieberman's personal baggage, such as the 2001 story of him beating up a twelve-year-old kid who had previously given a whupping to Lieberman's son (the only link I was able to find was in Hebrew, so I ran it through Google Translate).
Having somebody less controversial to help form the new government may give a boost to the peace process. There already are reports that Kadima and Likud leaders restarted talks...
According to rumors spread Monday, the coalition talks between the Likud and the Labor and Kadima parties have been resumed secretly. This report has not been confirmed by any party, but a Labor source said that "there is a feeling, based on the tough reality Netanyahu is facing, that resumed talks are possible."
UPDATE. I did a little more digging trying to corroborate the story. Instead, I found that Israel's tax authorities are also investigating Lieberman...
The existence of thousands of new documents, reported by Haaretz, has helped to bolster suspicions against Lieberman. The material documents the activities of various companies that were allegedly used as part of a money-laundering system.
Also, here's a little eye candy. Lieberman ♥'s Lieberman! Thanks to kurious for the link. Image credit: Jerusalem Post.