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Lieberman: Arab minister's appointment unacceptable

Minister slams Peretz for handing Science, Culture and Sport Ministry to Raleb Majadele, but explains it is not minister's religion that bothers him, but rather timing. 'If his appointment was aimed at fixing Israeli Arabs' situation it would be understandable, but it is aimed at changing Peretz's political situation,' he says

It took him almost 24 hours, but on Thursday evening Minister for Strategic Affairs Avigdor Lieberman broke his silence and addressed the appointment of Raleb Majadele as the first Arab minister in the State of Israel.

 

Lieberman, who already expressed his opinion in the past about sitting next to Arab ministers in the government, voiced similar remarks to those made by Defense Minister Amir Peretz's opponents in the Labor Party, pointing out the cynical timing of Majadele's appointment as minister of science, culture and sport.

 

"Amir Peretz did something which must not be done," Lieberman told Ynet on Thursday evening. "If Peretz had done this after (former Science, Culture and Sports Minister) Ophir Pines resigned, I would understand. But now this move is essentially improper.

 

"I have no problem with Raleb Majadele, and I have no problem with the fact that he is Arab. If his appointment was aimed at fixing Israeli Arabs' situation it would be understandable, but it is basically aimed at changing Amir Peretz's political situation.

 

"The test is not the nationality and not the religion," Lieberman added. "Today there are already thousands of Druze Muslims and non-Jews who serve in the IDF. As far as I am concerned, by the way, there is no difference between Neturei Karta and the northern faction of the Islamic Movement. My problem with Majadele's appointment is the timing."

 

Lieberman added that he has no plan to vote against the appointment and that the Israel Our Home party, despite the remarks made by its MKs against the Majadele's appointment, will not veto it in the government.

 

'Sitting next to Lieberman – not an easy situation'

Earlier Thursday, Majadele told Ynet, “I see the appointment as a historic precedent. I couldn’t refuse this opportunity.”

 

The newly appointed minister did not fail to see the connection between Peretz’s shaky position and his appointment. “The move undoubtedly created sympathy for Amir Peretz amongst the Arab public,” he said.

 

Majadele referred to the inevitable meeting with Lieberman around the government table and said, “It’s not an easy situation, but we will deal with it.”

 

Majadele told Ynet that he was approached after former Minister Ofir Pines-Paz resigned, but that he was very hesitant and only made his decision after being approached a second time, and after having consulted with friends.

 

“I believe this is a precedent that will be written in the history of Israeli society,” he said. According to him, even those in the Knesset that dislike him would call it a great move.

 

“I hope that after this, more steps will follow. I hope that Amir Peretz’s political plan changes the situation and removes barriers,” Majadele said.

 


פרסום ראשון: 01.11.07, 21:02
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