Proposals calling for immediate cessation of nuclear weapons testing were voiced today in the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament, and transmitted to a committee for appropriate action.
Mrs. Golda Meir, Israel’s Foreign Minister, who replied to the proponents on behalf of the Government, expressed regret that the United Nations General Assembly’s call to the Soviet Union on October 27 to desist from exploding its 50 megaton hydrogen bomb had gone unheeded. She cited Israel’s record of calling for total disarmament and stressed Israel’s support in the General Assembly for all actions to end nuclear testing.
There could be no question about Israel’s position on the issue, she said. The question, she added, was the method which the Knesset should adopt. She proposed the issue be submitted to the Committee for Security and Foreign Affairs. Her suggestion was adopted by an overwhelming vote with only the Communist deputies expressing objection.
Menahem Beigin, leader of the Herut party, sought Knesset support for a proposal calling on the Parliaments of the world to urge cessation of nuclear testing. Mrs. Emma Telmi of Mapam proposed that such a call should be issued to all General Assembly delegations. A Communist motion to debate the issue and its background and implications was defeated.
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