The Israeli cabinet approved by a large majority Monday the appointment of Avigdor Lieberman to become deputy prime minister and strategic threats minister. Lieberman is a far-right wing politician who has called for Arabs living in Israel to be transferred to the Palestinian territories. Ahmed Tibi, a Palestinian member of the Knesset, criticized the move.

• Ahmed Tibi: “We are talking about a black day for the Israeli democracy. Lieberman–fascist number one of the Israeli society of Israel, the parallel of (French far right-wing leader) Jean-Marie Le Pen and (Austrian right-wing leader) Jorg Heider is being upgraded to the degree of deputy prime minister. It’s a message sent by Mr. Olmert to the Arab minority, to the region, about his direction, about his feelings towards the Arab citizens of the state of Israel. Lieberman is calling for deportation of the Arab minority and for assassination of the Arab members of the Knesset. He is the wrong appointment in the wrong day by the right government to do exactly this fascist action.”