Labor Party Appears United on Issue of Administered Territories

A six-hour debate was held Thursday at Premier Golda Meir’s office, with the Labor Party ministers participating, over the future policy in the administered territories. While there seemed to be a general agreement that as long as Israel was holding the areas pending a peace settlement Israel would have to continue aiding in the development of the areas, it was argued that the problem of the refugees will have to be dealt with and extended on an even wider scale.

An indication that an agreement on this was reached was given by Finance Minister Pinhas Sapir who told a Labor Party meeting in Holon Thursday night that the party will appear united before the public during the elections and that the difference of opinion over the administered areas can be bridged. He added that “as long as we stay in the areas we shall continue to render and even deepen services, help and development and deal with other problems.” Defense Minister Moshe Dayan warned last month that he might leave the party unless it adopted a clear program on the territories.

YAMIT APPEARS AS NEW ISSUE

A new issue appeared to be erupting within the Labor Party over Dayan’s proposal to establish the “Yamit” township in northern Sinai. During the six-hour meeting it was reported that Foreign Minister Abba Eban, Agriculture Minister Haim Gvati and Sapir opposed the idea. They claimed that money should be applied to developing townships in Israel.

Opposition to Yamit was also expressed by Haim Barlev, Minister of Commerce and Industry, who felt that construction of this Sinai town might detract from aiding in the development of Israeli townships. Dayan criticized this remark and stated that he never intended to play Yamit against Israeli towns but saw the development of Yamit as a step toward alleviating the overpopulated Tel Aviv area.

Another issue within the Labor Party, that of purchasing land tracts in the administered areas. was seen as capable of compromise. There is some anxiety that a general permission to buy tracts in the areas might result in land speculation. To prevent this from occurring there was a suggestion that only public or semi-public construction companies will be permitted to buy land in the areas. It was agreed by those present at the meeting that Mrs. Meir will prepare a summary of the discussion for approval.