Lieberman, Avigdor (1958–)

views updated

LIEBERMAN, AVIGDOR (1958–)

Israeli politician. Born in the Soviet Union in 1958, Lieberman immigrated to Israel in 1978. Chief of staff under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Lieberman founded the Israel Beiteinu Party in 1999. An immigrants' rights party, Israel Beiteinu seeks to curb what Lieberman has called the excessive powers of the police and the ministry of justice. He was elected to the Knesset in 1999, and served on the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. In March 2001 Lieberman was appointed minister of national infrastructures.


SEE ALSO Israel Beiteinu.