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Beigin Optimistic Liberals Will Reconsider Refusal to Merge with Gahal

November 23, 1970
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Relations are not running smoothly between Herut and the Liberal Party, the two factions that comprise Gahal, Israel’s second largest political grouping. The trouble stems from the Liberals’ refusal to merge with Herut. Liberal leader Joseph Sapir said at the Gahal convention a week ago that the time was “not ripe” for a merger. Menachem Beigin, leader of Herut, denounced that decision today. He told newsmen, “I do not take this resolution as a rejection and I look forward to the day when the Liberals will consider the time ripe.” He said he thought a complete union of the two factions was necessary. Gahal was a member of Premier Golda Meir’s coalition government until last August when it quit the cabinet in protest against Israel’s acceptance of the American peace initiative. Gahal is bitterly opposed to peace talks with the Arabs under the auspices of UN mediator Gunnar V. Jarring.

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