The conference of the Revisionist Party of Israel concluded today with a split within the ranks of the party following adoption of a decision by a majority of the delegates to merge with the Irgun Zvai Leumi, which will be active in the forthcoming Israeli elections as part of the Freedom Movement.
The resolution for the merger, adopted by 63 against 32, reads: “The Revisionist Party of Israel decides to unite with the Irgun, but Revisionists will, nevertheless, remain within the World Zionist Executive.” After this resolution was adopted, the opposing delegates, headed by Dr. Arieh Altman, head of the party, walked out of the conference.
Dr. Altman and his followers claimed that the convention of the Israeli Revisionists was not authorized to decide on a merger with the Irgun. This, they argued, is a matter which must “be decided “by the world convention of the Revisionist Party, After the opposing delegates left the hall, the conference elected an executive of eight, all affiliated with the Freedom Movement, and left three seats vacant for the minority.
The World Revisionist Conference, whose proceedings here were interrupted pending conclusion of the conference of the Israeli party, will consider the problems raised by the schism. Members of the world executive of the party are already attempting to find a compromise solution.
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