Jerusalem ( CNN ) -- Former Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman was acquitted Wednesday of corruption-related charges . The triumphant former minister talked to reporters after leaving the courtroom . `` I do n't intend to deal with this matter any longer . This chapter is behind me , and I am going to concentrate on the challenges which are already on our doorstep -- and there are plenty of them , '' he said . Liberman announced his resignation last December , a day after the Ministry of Justice said he would be charged with breach of trust and fraud . Liberman has maintained that he has not violated any laws . Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been holding Liberman 's post open for him until his return . `` I congratulate you on your unanimous acquittal and am pleased that you are returning to the government , '' Netanyahu told Liberman on Wednesday , according to the foreign minister 's office . But before Liberman can return to the Foreign Ministry , the government has to vote on his nomination . The allegations . The case against Liberman dates back to 2009 . Prosecutors said he pushed to get the Israeli ambassador to Belarus posted to another country after the diplomat allegedly handed over confidential information that included details of a secret police inquiry regarding Liberman . Liberman has faced international criticism for his hard-line stance on Israel 's Arab minorities . His ultra-nationalist party is especially popular with immigrants from the former Soviet Union , where Liberman was born and raised . CNN 's Sara Sidner and Saad Abedine contributed to this report .
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulates Liberman on his acquittal . Netanyahu has held Liberman 's post open since Liberman 's resignation . Liberman resigned in December amid allegations of breach of trust and fraud . He has said he did not violate any laws .