Israeli Watch

After 48 years….only now??

Amir Peretz, the leader of Israel’s Labour Party, has appointed the first Arab Muslim to the Israeli cabinet. Raleb Majadele is to be the new science and technology minister. Mr Peretz said the ‘historic’ appointment would improve relationships among different groups in Israel.

However, Mr Majadele’s appointment has been criticised as ‘a lethal blow to Zionism’ by Esterina Tartman, the chair of Yisrael Beitenu’s parliamentary bloc. Ms Tartman said Israel is ‘a Jewish state and should be run according to Jewish principles’.