The Yisrael Beytenu party hopes to receive either the foreign affairs or finance portfolio after the upcoming Knesset elections, according to an internal party document published by the Izrus Russian-language news website.

In exchange for getting one of those portfolios, Yisrael Beytenu will not ask for the defense portfolio, the document said.

In the outgoing government, Yisrael Beytenu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman served as foreign minister until his recent resignation over an indictment in a corruption case.

As part of Yisrael Beytenu's agreement to run with the Likud party on a joint list in the upcoming election, Lieberman was promised his choice of either the defense, foreign affairs or finance portfolios.

The document Izrus published said that preference would be given to the foreign affairs and finance portfolios.

Overall, Yisrael Beytenu has its eyes on obtaining six to seven portfolios in the next government, including interior, housing and construction, agriculture and immigration absorption.

"Despite the importance of the defense portfolio, which also, of course, cannot be ruled out [from being received by Yisrael Beytenu], and even though the person holding the finance portfolio will be forced to deal with the need to cut billions of shekels [from the state budget], the finance portfolio is of great importance," the document said.

The document went on to say that having the finance portfolio would allow Yisrael Beytenu to both set the agenda for the next government and to implement the party's worldview of strengthening the middle class and fighting poverty. The document contrasted this worldview with that of the Shas party, which the document accused of seeking to weaken the middle class and perpetuate poverty.

Yisrael Beytenu sources said that the document did not represent party policy, but was rather only a recommendation. They also said that Lieberman wants return as foreign minister if he is allowed to do so after the legal process against him plays out.

In regards to other ministries, the document said that "to implement an affordable housing plan, we must control all the corresponding parts, such as the Interior Ministry and the Housing and Construction Ministry."

Regarding the foreign affairs portfolio, the document said that "2013 is expected to be the year in which there will be a dramatic decision regarding the Iranian nuclear program. It is also likely we will be forced to make vital decisions regarding Hamas. Despite the economic challenge, diplomatic and security issues will remain at the top of the daily agenda. Managing foreign policy during a time like this is crucially important."

Yisrael Beytenu MK Faina Kirshenbaum said that her party constantly formulates contingency plans and that the document in question was one of many that has been prepared regarding future plans.