The trial of Avigdor Lieberman, Israel’s former top diplomat, who is facing charges of fraud and breach of trust, was due to open at Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court on Sunday, AFP quoted Zionist officials as saying.

The trial of Avigdor Lieberman, Israel's former top diplomat, who is facing charges of fraud and breach of trust, was due to open at Jerusalem Magistrate's Court on Sunday, AFP quoted Zionist officials as saying.

The opening hearing before a panel of three judges was to begin at 12:00 GMT, with Lieberman expressing confidence that he will be cleared of all charges and will return to resume his job as foreign minister.

In mid December, Israeli Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein said he was charging Lieberman with two offences over the promotion of Israel's former ambassador to Belarus, Zeev Ben Aryeh.

Lieberman immediately resigned his cabinet post over the incident which dates back to October 2008 when he was serving as an MP.

Among the witnesses due to appear is Zionist Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon, who heads the ministry's appointments committee.