Israel's former FM acquitted in fraud trial

JERUSALEM - Former Israeli foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman on Wednesday was acquitted on charges of fraud and breach of trust.

The three judges at the Jerusalem Court delivered their verdict, and wrote that they believe Lieberman acted "improperly" but that Lieberman was not aware of "the seriousness of the circumstances."

The former hawkish minister, and one of the major players in Israeli politics, was charged with fraud and breach of trust regarding a questionable appointment of Ze'Ev Ben Aryeh, Israel's former ambassador to Belarus.

The meaning of the ruling is that Lieberman can resume his former title as Foreign Minister which has been held for him by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"This chapter is behind me," Lieberman said after the verdict. "I am now focusing on the challenges ahead," he said in court.

The prosecution will now study the verdict and decide whether or not to appeal.