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Conflict over Definition of “jew” Reaches Israel Parliament Today

July 8, 1958
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The burning political issue of the day–the withdrawal of the United Religious Party from the Ben Gurion Cabinet over disagreement on the definition of who is to be considered a Jew in Israel–will come up for debate in Knesset tomorrow. Two meetings which were held today between coalition and religious leaders in an attempt to resolve their differences ended in failure.

It is apparent that the government parties will have a rough time tomorrow since the opposition parties, Herut and General Zionists, have decided to support the position of the Religious deputies on the “who is a Jew” Issue.

With the Religious bloc, formerly partners in the Ben Gurion Cabinet now In the opposition; the Premier faces the largest bloc of votes against him since the State was proclaimed and he undertook to lead the government. Nevertheless, the coalition will still be able to maintain a slim edge.

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