Tzachi Hanegbi resigns from Knesset

Until now former minister was suspended after court ruled his perjury conviction consists of moral turpitude. 'I'll do my best to help Israel outside these walls,' he says

Roni Sofer|Published: 12.23.10 , 17:21

After the ongoing lawyers' strike prevented the State Prosecution from filing an appeal on his acquittal from political appointments charges, former Minister Tzachi Hanegbi submitted his resignation to Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin on Thursday.

In early November the Jerusalem District Court ruled that Hanegbi's perjury conviction consists of moral turpitude, thus automatically suspending him from the current Knesset. Hanegbi was convicted of delivering false statements in July during his trial on political appointments while he served as environment minister.

Hanegbi avoided a conviction on cronyism and related charges of fraud, bribery and breach of trust.

After accepting Hanegbi's resignation letter, Rivlin said, "This is a very sad moment for me. He had a very successful past, and hopefully he'll have a better future."

Hanegbi said in response, "After 22 fascinating years during which I had the privilege of serving the State of Israel, I am no longer a member of Knesset.

"I'll try as best I can to help the State of Israel outside this house's walls as well," he added.

The State Prosecution still intends to appeal Hanegbi's acquittal from political appointments charges.