Israel’s Parliament approved today by a vote of 51 to 34 Premier Levi Eshkol’s first policy statement since he took office. The Premier had called on the major powers to safeguard peace in the Middle East, announced the abolition of major military rule restrictions on Arabs in some parts of Israel and pledged continued efforts against aid by West German scientists to the Egyptian weapons development program.
Discussing questions raised during the debate which followed his presentation on Monday, the Premier said that Israel was following a dual policy regarding the possibility of alliances or guarantees to preserve Mideast peace. He said “we are acting and will continue to act as though there is no hope of an alliance or guarantees, relying on our own strength but we shall endeavor in every possible way to achieve wider international understanding and we shall act as though alliances or guarantees are possible.”
In reply to critics who asked for more details on Israel plans for peace with the Arab countries, the Premier recalled the six-point plan presented to the United Nations General Assembly earlier this month by Mrs. Golda Meir, Israel’s Foreign Minister, in which she reiterated Israel’s readiness to discuss unresolved issues with the Arab countries. He added that at the first serious hint of a desire for peace by the Arabs, “we will have something to say and we are prepared to sit down at a peace table.”
He counseled patience over demands for complete abolition of military government over the Israeli Arabs. He noted that with the newly instituted relaxations permitting free movement for most Israeli Arabs without the formerly required travel permits, only the “framework” of military rule was being maintained and that it was the fervent hope of the Government that it would not need to be used. He added that the complicated situation of Israel’s security had not been created by Israeli or Arab citizens but by Israel’s neighbors. The Government, he said, was looking forward to complete elimination of military rule.
The Premier also dealt with criticism of Israel’s reaction to anti-Jewish discrimination in the Soviet Union made by Communist deputy Shmuel Mikunis. The Premier stated that “there is no hostility to the Soviet Union–there are aching hearts.” He added that the House could not conceal its concern and its belief in the right to contact the Jews of the USSR nor, he said, could the House ignore the evidence given by many individuals and from press reports on the situation of the Soviet Jews.
He also condemned the kibbutz members who, he said, came to Jerusalem on a recent Sabbath armed with sticks. He called on the entire House, including Mapam members, to join in his condemnation.
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