Although armistice agreements and final peace treaties are still to be concluded, the Army of Israel is being reorganized on a peacetime basis. The Ministry of Defense, which was responsible for the mobilization of the Jews of Palestine following proclamation of statehood in Israel last May, and for the conduct of Israel’s defense, is also being reorganized.
A peacetime Army establishment which would provide for effective mobilization of the entire population of the country in the event of emergency is now under consideration.
Meanwhile, the authorities are demobilizing many of the estimated 80,000 men and women called to active service during hostilities. Eliezer Perlson, Director-General of the Defense Ministry, announced today that all troops scheduled for discharge from service during January and February have been released. An agreement has been reached with the Hebrew University and the Haifa Technical Institute whereby former students there will be released to resume their studies, thus permitting the reopening of these institutions immediately after Passover.
The Army is also releasing for civilian use a number of buildings requisitioned during the period of hostilities, including several hotels needed for the tourist trade. The Jaffa Hospital, which had been taken over by the Army, was returned to the municipality for civilian use on March 1.
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