Lieberman to head Israeli cabinet next week

Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman is set to head the cabinet next week during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s two day visit to Russia, Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported on Monday.

The newspaper revealed that Netanyahu had asked Lieberman to occupy his position during his absence on next Wednesday and Thursday.

Lieberman has the right to call for a meeting of the reduced ministerial council if needed while Netanyahu is away.

On Sunday, the foreign minister attended his first ministerial meeting after he was acquitted over corruption charges last week.

Yedioth Ahronoth reported that it was the first time for Lieberman to be assigned for this position. It said that previously, Israeli Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon and Energy and Water Minister Silvan Shalom occupied this position under similar circumstances.