Leaders of the National Religious Party, composed of the Mizrachi and Hapoel Hamizrachi, submitted a proposal to President Itzhak Ben Zvi suggesting the formation of a caretaker government comprised of representatives of all political parties, except the Communists.
The leaders of the religious party also told the President that they would agree to advancing the date of the national elections, set for November, on condition that the Parliamentary and municipal elections are held simultaneously. In this, the Mizrachi leaders differ from the Mapai and the Progressives who seek separate elections for the Parliament and for the municipalities.
Today’s proposal of the National Religious Party for the formation of a caretaker government until the forthcoming national elections doomed the possibility of the formation of a “minority government,” composed of Mapai and Progressives, for which Premier David Ben Gurion has been seeking active or passive support from the religious group. Leaders of the National Religious Party made it clear to Mr. Ben Gurion that they are not anxious “to pull out his chestnuts from the fire” because of his opposition to their stand on the interpretation of the “Who is a Jew” issue.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
