Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman. Photo: Roosewelt Pinheiro.

Avigdor Lieberman said Friday he would resign from his position as Foreign Minister and Vice Prime Minister in the current Israeli government.

In a statement issued by his office, Lieberman stated that he was told by his legal council that he did not need to resign, but would do so to fight the charges of fraud and breach of trust set to be brought against him.

“Although I know I have not violated any laws, out of a desire that after so many years of legal proceedings, investigations and wiretaps against me I can also put the matter that remains behind me, I decided to resign from my position as Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister and as I announced yesterday also to give up my parliamentary immunities effective immediately,” he added.