Five bills providing for radical changes in the military administrations of Arab-populated areas of Israel were expected today to be defeated by a narrow margin in the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament, when they come up for consideration on Wednesday. The bills were submitted by deputies from the Liberal, Herut, Mapam, Achdut Avoda and Communist parties.
Under a coalition agreement, Achdut Avoda has been released from collective responsibility requiring them to vote with the Government and may vote freely on the issue. The vote will be of special significance in view of Premier David Ben-Gurion’s earlier threat that he will not assume responsibility for the country’s security if military government is abolished in border areas.
Mapai has been assured the support of most of the National Religious deputies and Poalei Agudat Israel. The Agudat Israel deputies have indicated they will abstain on the issue. The Mapai-affiliated Arab members have thus far declined to reveal how they would vote.
While Herut is recalling two members from abroad to participate in the vote, Mapai and Achdut Avoda have agreed not to recall Education Minister Abba Eban and Achdut Avoda deputy Mordechai Bibi, thus canceling out each other’s votes. Mr. Eban is attending the United Nations Conference on Underdeveloped Countries in Geneva.
An advertisement published in this morning’s Haaretz, an independent daily, contains a call by a score of university professors for the abolition of military government.
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