Profile: Avigdor Lieberman
Born in Moldova, and immigrating to Israel in the early 70’s, Mr. Lieberman is a right wing figure who is Israel’s Foreign Minister. He founded the Yisrael Beitenu party which came in third in the 2009 elections. He is controversial for advocating a required oath of loyalty to the state. Those who decline the acceptance of the Jewish colors, anthem, and military service would also refuse suffrage. This notion is in response to the growing number of Arabs living in Israel.
Although he has supported the death sentence for Arab leaders who meet with Hamas and Hezbollah, and is often aligned with the far right, he favors a two state solution between Israel and Palestine. A trade of Arab populated Israeli regions for near-Jewish areas in the West Bank would reduce the number of Arab denizens, which currently number more than a million of the 7 millions Israelis.
Mr. Lieberman has often been pursued by Israeli police, most recently for his business dealings in 2008. While counts of breach of trust, bribery, and fraud have been pressed against him, he welcomes the attacks, due to the publicity he receives from the media. As a result, many align with his views, and support his ideas.
