The Herut Party, Israel’s farthest right party and the second strongest in the country, has made a bid for merger with the centrist General Zionists, it was disclosed here today by the Herut and confirmed by General Zionist leader Dr. Peretz Bernstein.
A letter by Menahem Beigin, head of the Herut, to Dr. Bernstein noted that the General Zionists have come a long way in the direction of Herut policy, as noted in a recent sense of articles in the newspaper, “Haboker,” by Dr. Bernstein, advocating a preventive war now before the Arabs muster greater military strength.
Mr. Beigin said he understood that differing views on economic and social problems were held by the two parties, but insisted that for a long time to come these would have to be submerged in the face of more pressing political and security questions, on which the two groups are now near agreement. Such a merger, the Beigin letter continued, would create a large public body which would strive to change both the political and security station of the state.
Dr. Bernstein refused to comment on the letter, other than to confirm its receipt, staring that it was a matter which must first be considered by the party before he would comment.
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