TEL AVIV, Israel, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- An Israeli-Muslim, Raleb Majadele, Monday became the first Arab to join an Israeli Cabinet.
Majadeleh was sworn in after the Knesset approved his cooption 59 to 23. Initially he will be minister without portfolio, but that is a temporary post. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is reportedly planning a Cabinet reshuffle and then Majadeleh is expected to head a ministry.
The new minister is a member of the Labor Party whose leader, Defense Minister Amir Peretz, delegated him to a Cabinet seat. A post was vacated when another Labor Party member, Ophir Pines, resigned. Pines had been minister of science, culture and sports.
Before the vote Peretz told the Knesset he was sure Majadele will "become an address for narrowing the gaps between the Arab and Jewish sectors." Some 1.3 million Arabs are Israeli citizens and they account for 19.7 percent of the population.
Members of the dovish Meretz opposition party, voted for the appointment. Meretz leader Yossi Beilin said he has waited for such a move for years and that is why his party will support the move.
Arab legislators voted against the appointment. Taleb al-Sana told Ynet they did so because the government was taking advantage of Majadele's Arab identity. The appointment does not reflect a change of policy towards the Arab community. "This is the most racist government," al-Sana said.
After the swearing in, Arab Knesset members who voted against his cooption went over and warmly congratulated him. Olmert kissed him.
Esterina Tartman, of the right wing nationalist Israel Beitenu, that is a member of the coalition, slammed the appointment. "Some things Israel should keep for Jews," she said.She did not participate in the Knesset vote. Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik who is now also acting president, said the appointment is, "A clear voice" pointing to Arabs' ability to take part in state institutions.
