Premier-designate David Ben Gution’s efforts to form a coalition government were temporarily deadlocked this week-end when Agudah-Poale Agudah refused to enter the government under Ben Gurion’s proposed “status quo” arrangement.
Referring to that “status quo”–under which all religious party demands would be postponed until later–spokesmen for Agudah-Poale Agudah, as well as for Mizrachi-Hapoel Hamizrachi told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that it would be better, in their opinion to remain outside the Cabinet in opposition, than to enter a government which had not fulfilled even one of their demands.
It was understood that the General Zionists have also refused to enter the Cabinet and that both Mapam and Leachdut Avodah have informed the Premier-designate that they are opposed to any concessions to the religious parties. Mr. Ben Gurion informed all parties concerned that he will resume talks within a few days.
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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.