ISRAEL:Amir Peretz, Israeli defence minister and leader of the Labor party, yesterday appointed Israel's first Arab cabinet minister, and was accused of dealing a "lethal blow to Zionism" by right-wingers.
Raleb Majadele, a Labor member of the Knesset, was appointed minister for science and technology, but critics in the Labor party believe Mr Peretz made the appointment to ensure Arab members of the party support him in a forthcoming leadership election.
Mr Majadele replaces Ofir Pines Paz, who resigned over the appointment of Avigdor Lieberman, the head of the Israel Our Home party, as deputy prime minister. Mr Lieberman advocates removing Arabs from Israel.
Mr Majadele said it would be difficult sitting at the same cabinet table as Mr Lieberman but he hoped to overcome any problems. Esterina Tartman, chairwoman of Israel Our Home, said: "Peretz is making a sacrifice of Zionism. I call on the prime minister not to approve this appointment. . . in order to protect the state of Israel's interest as a Jewish and Zionist state."