Israeli PM expresses sorrow at US school shooting in weekly Cabinet meeting

Описание: (16 Dec 2012)
1. Wide shot of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attending weekly cabinet meeting
2. Close of Netanyahu
3. Pan left of ministers attending cabinet meeting
4. SOUNDBITE (Hebrew) Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister:
"First, I would like to express my shock and that of the government of Israel, and, I am sure, that of all Israelis, over the awful massacre that took place at the school in Connecticut. I send condolences to President Obama, to the bereaved families and to the American people."
5. Mid of Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman attending cabinet meeting
6. SOUNDBITE (Hebrew) Avigdor Lieberman, Israeli Foreign Minister:
"I have handed a resignation letter to the Prime Minster. The resignation will go into effect on Tuesday at 10 o'clock in the morning. All in all, these were four fascinating years in the government in the Foreign Ministry."
7. End shot of Lieberman

STORYLINE
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday expressed sorrow over the Connecticut elementary (primary) school massacre that left 26 children and adults dead.
At the beginning of the Israeli weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said he was shocked by what he called an "awful massacre" and offered his condolences to United States President Barack Obama, "to the bereaved families and to the American people."
Also on Sunday, the Israeli Foreign Minister tendered his official resignation over fraud and breach of trust charges filed against him.
Avigdor Lieberman's resignation goes into effect on Tuesday.
Lieberman announced on Friday that he would resign to fight the charges against him.
"I have handed a resignation letter to the Prime Minster. The resignation will go into effect on Tuesday at 10 o'clock in the morning. All in all, these were four fascinating years in the government in the Foreign Ministry," Lieberman told cabinet ministers during the meeting on Sunday.
He remains on the slate of candidates running with Netanyahu for election to parliament on January 22, but his legal woes could complicate his hopes to serve as a minister in the next government.
Lieberman's Yisrael Beitenu and Netanyahu's Likud Party recently joined forces in the election, enabling the ultra-nationalist politician to position himself as Netanyahu's heir.
The list is expected to lead a new government, despite Lieberman's troubles.
But coalition-building negotiations would likely be complicated.

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