Arafat's advisor nominated in Israeli elections

Ahmed Al-Tibi, one of the highest-ranking advisors of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, announced yesterday his resignation from the Palestinian government to be able to nominate himself in the Israeli elections to be held on May 17.

Tibi, an Palestinian-Israeli, has joined the National Democratic Alliance party chaired by Israeli Knesset member Azmi Bishara.

Tibi confirmed that he is no longer Arafat's advisor, saying that the majority of Palestinians-Israelis -- who form about 20% of Israeli citizens -- intend to vote for Labor Party candidate Ehud Barak for prime minister to topple current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.