JERUSALEM — Hardline Israeli politician Avigdor Lieberman has been sworn in as the country's foreign minister.

Lieberman returns to the post after being cleared last week of all charges in a long-running corruption case.

Lieberman, an ally and sometime rival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stepped down as foreign minister late last year when he was indicted on graft charges. Since winning re-election in January, Netanyahu had left the post vacant for Lieberman while awaiting the verdict.

Late Monday, Israel's parliament approved the appointment. The two men warmly hugged after the vote.

Lieberman will likely use his significant political clout to argue against concessions to the Palestinians, making him an unpredictable player in already troubled U.S.-backed Mideast peace efforts.