Israel gets first Ethiopia-born minister

Pnina Tamano-Shata, a former journalist, was the first Israeli MP born in Ethiopia

Audio By Carbonatix

Israel is set to get its first Ethiopia-born minister, with the nomination of a female MP brought there in a secret operation in the 1980s.

Pnina Tamano-Shata has been chosen by incoming deputy prime minister Benny Gantz, who is forming a unity government with PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

The new government is expected to be sworn in on Sunday after a delay over ministerial appointments.

Israel's Ethiopian-Jewish community often complains of discrimination.

Incidents of police using force against Israelis of Ethiopian origin - including fatal shootings - have led to street protests and clashes in recent years.

The 140,000-strong community is among the poorest in the country and suffers from high rates of unemployment.

However, many second generation Ethiopian-Israelis have become successful across society, achieving notable positions in the military, judiciary and politics.

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Pnina Tamano-Shata