"Retaining good relations with Russia is a question of principle for Israel, it is one of the priorities. This is not a question of personal sympathies and antipathies of this or that politician. This is an acknowledged necessity," Lieberman said in a written message.
Israel must prioritize good relations with important world powers like Russia, Lieberman said.
The minister also noted that a common language was important for maintaining good diplomatic relations between the two countries. He warned that this might be lost if ministers originating from the former USSR, including himself, lose their ministerial seats after the elections.
However, even if this is lost, political priorities will stay the same, Lieberman stressed.
Analysts forecast weakening of Lieberman's Israel Our Home party after the vote, which might prevent him from retaining his foreign minister post.
Lieberman has served as foreign minister since November 2013, previously holding this position from 2009 to 2012.
