Israel FM Lieberman resigns

JERUSALEM - Reuters

Israel's Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman. AP photo

Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said on Friday he was resigning from his post after being charged with fraud and breach of trust, in a move that could have repercussions on the upcoming general election.

"Though I know I have committed no crime ... I have decided to resign my post as foreign minister and deputy prime minister," Lieberman said in an emailed statement, adding that he hoped to clear his name "without delay."

Opinion polls have predicted that the right-wing coalition parties of Lieberman and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will come out on top from the Jan. 22 election. It is not yet clear whether Lieberman's resignation will affect the race.