posted January 12, 2007 08:19 PM              

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(AFP Photo) Israel's Labour party chief and defense minister, Amir Peretz

Israel's Labour party chief and defense minister, Amir Peretz, appointed Raleb Majadele as minister of science and technology, making him the first Arab Muslim in Israel’s cabinet.

Majadele, a Labour MP from a town near the occupied West Bank, replaces Ophir Pines-Paz who quit last October in protest at the addition of the ultra-nationalist party Yisrael Beitenu to the coalition government.

Peretz praised Majadele’s "historic" appointment, saying that it would improve relations among Israel’s different groups.

"This is a historic development and undoubtedly it will bring about an improvement in the relationships among different groups in Israel," he said.

The Labour leader also said that Majadele's inclusion in the Israeli cabinet will balance the presence of ultra-nationalist Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu.

Commenting on his appointment, Majadele said: "It's great news for the Arab public. It's a correct step in the direction of equality. We have many challenges ahead of us.”

However, Majadele's appointment drew angry criticism.

Esterina Tartman, chairman of Yisrael Beitenu, said the appointment was a "lethal blow to Zionism", the Haaretz daily reported.

The remarks have prompted several MPs to call for the expulsion of the ultra-nationalist party from the coalition government led by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

Yoram Marciano, Labour's parliamentary chief, demanded Olmert to oust Yisrael Beitenu and called on the Labour Party to reconsider whether it can "sit in the government with this racist party".

"No believer in equality and democracy can accept them being on the agenda," said Michael Eitan of the Likud opposition party.

Israeli analysts speculate that Majadele's appointment will enable Peretz to rally support among Palestinian citizens of Israel ahead of party elections in May.

Israeli Arabs make up about 20% of Israel’s estimated population of seven million.

Majadele would be the second non-Jew to serve in the Israeli cabinet.

Former Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, appointed an Israeli Druze, Salah Tarif, as a minister without portfolio in 2001.

Though its culture and language are Arab, the Druze community in Israel is officially recognized as a separate religious entity. Its members have the same privileges and responsibilities as Israeli Jews and serve in the Israeli Army.

posted January 12, 2007 08:45 PM            

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Though its culture and language are Arab, the Druze community in Israel is officially recognized as a separate religious entity. Its members have the same privileges and responsibilities as Israeli Jews and serve in the Israeli Army.

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