Israeli law distinguishing between Christian, Muslim Arabs

A new Israeli law giving Muslim and Christian Arab citizens separate representation on a national employment commission drew fire from the Palestinians today.

"This law aims to create a new reality among our people based on religion and not national identity," Palestine Liberation Organisation executive committee member Hanan Ashrawi said in a statement.

Israel's parliament yesterday passed into law a bill expanding the equal opportunities commission from five to 10 members, and giving separate seats for the first time to representatives of Christian and Muslim Arab workers' groups.