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Jewish Communists in Israel Differ; Split in Communist Party Expected

February 11, 1958
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Differences between the Arabs and the Jews in the leadership of the Israel Communist Party, made public with the publication today of a statement by Arab Communist leader Emil Habbibi virtually calling for a rebellion against the Israel Government, gave rise to reports here that the party would soon split into separate Arab and Jewish factions.

Mr. Habbibi’s statement and a similar speech in an Arab village followed persistent rumors that the Arab Communist leaders are at loggerheads with Jewish leaders because the former want to organize a “small Algeria” in Israel. The launching of an Algerian-type action would force the Israel Government to suppress the Arabs, the Arab Communist leadership is said to believe, and open the way to Egyptian and Syrian assistance to their “oppressed brethren” and Moscow support.

It is not known here whether this line has been adopted under Moscow’s tutelage or is a product of local Arab political thinking.

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