Problems of security for the Negev were discussed here today at a conference attended by Premier David Ben Gurion.
Delegates representing the Negev settlers were assured by the Premier that the Israel Government “will not forget the natural defenses of the area.” At the same time, he urged the settlers to maintain constant readiness in connection with the much-advertised Arab “second round,” which Egyptian and other Arab newspapers have been threatening.
Levi Eshkol, treasurer of the Jewish Agency, who also participated in the conference, told the delegates that 20 new settlements will be founded this year in the southernmost part of the Negev.
A cornerstone for a branch of the Premier’s office was laid in Elath, on the shores of the Gulf of Aqaba, at the southeastern tip of Israel. The beginning of work on the government building, which will contain offices and living accommodations for the Premier and his guests when he works in this area, symbolizes the government’s determination to build up this area and weld it solidly into Israel.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
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.
