The likelihood that the present coalition Government would continue as a caretaker administration became a virtual certainty today after President Ben Zvi completed talks with representatives of all parties except the Communists.
The President, who received deputations of the two left-wing parties, Achdut Avodah and Mapam, and Agudah and Poale Agudah today, reportedly came to the conclusion that no combination could muster a majority for a vote of confidence in the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament. Deputies of parties in opposition to the sale of $3, 000, 000 worth of Israel-made arms to West Germany, which brought about the current Government crisis, number 70 of the 120 Knesset members.
Simultaneously, the chances for the formation of a minority Government composed of Mapai and the Progressive Party, receded as opposition parties indicated they would not give passive support to such a minority agreement.
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