A sweeping revision in the Israel Government’s policy toward its Arab citizens, aimed at making them fully integrated and patriotic Israelis, has been decided on in highest Government circles for early implementation, it was reported here today.
Under the proposed new policy, which also would look toward developing Israel’s Arab population as a bridge toward friendship with neighboring Arab countries, rather than a suspected minority, military government would be continued in Arab-populated areas. However, its authority would be strictly limited to security matters, with all other procedures transferred to normal civilian authorities.
The plan calls for an effort to employ a substantial number of Israel Arabs in all Ministries except Defense and Finance where security problems are involved, it was reported. Another projected step would be arrangements for many Arab teachers to teach in Jewish schools and Jewish teachers in Arab schools.
Landless Arabs commuting daily from villages to neighboring major towns and cities would be encouraged to settle in urban areas permanently in Government-aided housing, it was reported. The Municipality of Haifa, it was understood, a city in which the largest number of such commuting Arabs are employed, is willing to absorb in housing and permanent employment many thousands of these Arabs.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
