Military Rule for Arabs in Israel Approved; Relaxation Urged

Continuation of the system of military government in certain Arab populated areas of Israel, including the all-Arab city of Nazareth, was recommended today by a special investigating committee, but easing of some of the military restrictions was suggested. The report was submitted to the Cabinet by a committee of three named by Premier David Ben Gurion.

The report said that even under military rule the Arabs in Israel were better off from the point of view of public health, education facilities, social welfare programs and employment than inhabitants of neighboring Arab states. At the same time, the committee recommended the transfer of government district offices to Nazareth and the introduction of a program to develop industry in the city and to increase its trade. The group also recommended easing of travel restrictions.

The commission explained that the fact that the greater part of the Arab population lives on or very near Israel’s long and vulnerable border has made for a major security problem since the State of Israel was established. Security considerations have compelled the Israel Government to prolong military rule in these areas, including the right to designate “closed areas,” impose curfews, restrict movement and other measures as circumstances required.

Guerrilla warfare, the committee report continued, had so far prevented the abolition of emergency controls, although there had been some relaxation. The committee found that the existence of military authority prevented open hostility by a section of the population and that military rule had assisted the security situation. Finally, it declared that military rule was required to encourage and support settlements established in the border regions.