Israel’s new Cabinet began its functions today, after the shortest and calmest government crisis in Israel’s history. Premier-designate Levi Eshkol submitted is new Cabinet to Parliament and won a vote of confidence nine days after he resigned.
The vote for the new Government last night was 59 to 36, with all the opposition parties voting against, except Mapam, which abstained. With one exception, the new Cabinet was identical with the prior one. After the vote, the Cabinet members took the oath of office. The change in the new Cabinet was the appointment of Akiva Govrin, former Minister for Foreign Trade, as Minister of a new Ministry of Tourism. A. cabinet committee decided on the new Ministry.
Replying to charges in the debate which preceded the vote, Premier Eshkol sharply rejected assertions by Liberals that an alignment between Mapai and Achdut Avodah would affect the Israel economy, particularly foreign investments. He said the Government policy would continue to be one of encouraging all forms of economic initiative, whether from the labor or private sector.
Mr. Eshkol had sought such an alignment in preparation for elections to the Histadrut, Israel’s Labor Federation, and for the next general elections in 1965. The project became entangled in the struggle over the renewed Lavon issue, and was abandoned.
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