minister Tel Aviv, Jan 28, SPA -- The Israeli government on Sunday approved the appointment of the country's first Muslim Cabinet member, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's office said. The appointment of Raleb Majadele as a minister without portfolio is expected to go before parliament for final confirmation on Monday. Majadele, a parliamentary backbencher, says hisappointment is meant to give representation to Israel'sArabs, who make up about 20 percent of the country's 7million citizens. He has predicted that in future, everyIsraeli government will be obliged to include an Arabminister, the Associated Press reported. Arabs lag behind Israel's Jewish population in income,education and standard of living, and have long lackedrepresentation in government commensurate with theirnumbers. Israel's 120-seat parliament includes 13 Arabmembers.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/421320