Knesset approves Lieberman's entry into Olmert's coalition

The Knesset last night resoundingly approved MK Avigdor Lieberman's inclusion in the government as deputy prime minister and minister in charge of strategic affairs. Thus, some two and a half years after being dismissed from the second Ariel Sharon government because of his opposition to the disengagement plan, Lieberman has returned to serve as a senior minister in Ehud Olmert's cabinet.

Lieberman's new position was approved by 61 representatives of the coalition; 38 opposition MKs voted against. Two Pensioners Party lawmakers voted against the appointment; Minister Rafi Eitan was absent for the vote; two Labor Party MKs also chose to vote against; and a number of parliamentarians opted to miss the vote because they did not want to support Lieberman's appointment.

According to one such MK, Labor's Shelly Yachimovich, "I am bound by the democratic decision taken by the Labor Central Committee, but I cannot raise my hand in support of such a partnership."

Immediately after the vote, Lieberman took the podium and swore allegiance as a minister - a move that prompted an en masse exit by the Arab lawmakers, with MK Ahmed Tibi (United Arab List-Ta'al) calling out: "Hooray for Haider!"

In a brief session later in the day, the cabinet approved Lieberman's appointment, too, with the only objection coming from Minister Ophir Pines-Paz.

At a subsequent meeting of the Kadima Knesset faction, Olmert said he was pleased that Lieberman had joined the government, noting also that he appreciated the position adopted by Labor, which voted on Sunday to approve Lieberman's inclusion in the coalition.

Olmert said Labor's decision would strengthen its partnership with Kadima and serve as a solid basis for the stability of the government. The prime minister stressed that the government's policy guidelines would remain unchanged, adding that Lieberman's powers would not encroach on areas that come under the responsibility of other ministers.

Olmert told his fellow Kadima members that in the political sphere, the government would continue to work on all the matters on the agenda, and the Palestinian issue first and foremost.

The Knesset debate on Lieberman's appointment roused harsh criticism of the move from both the right and left.

"Once, [Lieberman] said he was not prepared to be Sharon's chewing gum, so why is he now willing to be Olmert's Cellotape?" commented MK Aryeh Eldad (National Union).

"Lieberman represents a racist-facist position toward the Arab public," said Meretz MK Ran Cohen. "He is already bombing the Aswan Dam and Tehran, and turning Gaza into a soccer field."