“Israeli” official eggs on racial segregation, Other leaders condemn remarks

Source: AP, 6-11-2006
JERUSALEM (AL-QUDS) -- "Israel's" new deputy prime minister called for a near-total separation between Arabs and Jews in the Holy Land yesterday, sparking a wave of condemnation less than a week after the far-right politician joined the Cabinet.
Avigdor Lieberman`s statements fanned fears that his inclusion in the government would make it nearly impossible to renew stalled peace efforts with the Palestinians and could damage shaky relations between "Israel" and its Arab citizens (1948-Palestinians).
Lieberman`s fellow ministers, including Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, quickly distanced themselves from his remarks. Ahmed Tibi, an Arab-"Israeli" lawmaker, said the comments amounted to "a call to ethnic cleansing."
In an interview with "Israel's" Army Radio, Lieberman said there was no hope for peace between "Israel" and the Palestinians, so physically separating them was the best solution.
He said "Israel" should give 1948-Palesinian villages near the West Bank to the Palestinians -- stripping many of the residents of their citizenship in the process -- in exchange for Jewish (Zionist) settlements in the West Bank.
Arabs make up roughly one-fifth of "Israel's" population.
"The answer is exchanges of land and populations and making a homogeneous, Jewish country as much as possible," said Lieberman, who lives in a West Bank settlement.
"...we are becoming a binational country, where 20 percent of the population are minorities. If we want to keep this a Jewish, Zionist country, there is no other solution," he said.
Olmert brought Lieberman and his Yisrael Beiteinu party`s 11 seats into the government last week to shore up a shaky coalition -- a move roundly criticized by doves and "Israeli" and Arab activists.
Lieberman`s hawkish views also raised concerns he would use his high-profile post as minister to block attempts to pursue peace with the Palestinians.
Olmert rejected Lieberman`s remarks yesterday.
Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat also condemned Lieberman`s words. "What "Israel" needs is not more racist decisions," he said. "What "Israel" needs is exactly what the Palestinians need for the future of security and peace, and that is two states living side by side."