Israel’s political parties began preparations today for a debate in Parliament next week on the disputed issue of continuation of military government in border areas and Arab -populated sections.
Sources close to Israel’s security problems insist that such control is essential in Arab population concentrations near the borders, but a number of political leaders have taken the position that after 13 years of statehood, Israel can abolish such controls which they contend places Arabs in an inferior position in respect to civil rights.
Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion, who indicated yesterday he planned to name a committee of General Staff officers to examine possible modifications, convened his top security personnel last week to discuss whether any changes could safely be made. It was reported that while some procedural red tape was found to be superfluous, the general opinion at that meeting was that Israel security needs required strict supervision in border areas inhabited by Arabs.
While Mapam has long been totally opposed to military government in the areas, its left-wing partner, Achdut Avodah–which is a member of the coalition government–assured itself a free vote on the issue and called its central committee into session today to define a position for the Knesset debate, Achdut Avodah appeared to be in favor of total abolition of military control.
The National Religious Party also met today on the question. The Liberal party has already announced its opposition but has indicated it would agree to some form of civilian control.
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