Israeli army makes Druze new coordinator of activities in territories

JERUSALEM (AFP) May 29, 2003
General Yusef Mishlab, a Druze, was appointed the Israeli army's new coordinator of government activities in the territories, replacing Amos Gilad, an army spokesman said Thursday.

In June 2001, Mishlab became the first Druze general and was put in charge of the Home Front command.

The Druze, a tiny offshoot of Islam founded in the 11th century, are more integrated into Israeli society than other Arab citizens of Israel and are the only Arabs in the Jewish state required to serve in the army.

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