Settlers with “communist Inclinations” Expelled from Smallholders Colonies in Israel

Charges that settlers with “Communist inclinations” have been expelled from Tnuat Hamoshavim, smallholders settlements, were made in the Knesset last night by Communist deputy Shmuel Mikunis.

Mr. Mikunis demanded that the Parliament appoint an investigating committee to check his charges. His request was denied following a statement by Mapai deputy Shmuel Dayan who insisted that the matter did not pertain either to the Knesset or the Israel Government as a whole. He suggested that Mr. Mikunis’ complaint be taken to the Jewish Agency or the Jewish National Fund–the settlement authorities.

At the same time, Mr. Dayan attacked the Communists as “anti-Zionists” and asserted that they were not entitled to assistance for settlement purposes. He also stated that the Tnuat Hamoshavim movement was concerned over the possibilities of an internal opposition viewpoint developing among its settlers, and that the movement was not prepared to “encourage infiltration of disturbing elements.”

Earlier, a sharp exchange developed between Premier David Ben Gurion and another Communist deputy, Tewfik Tuby, an Arab. The Communist demanded a parliamentary investigation into charges of alleged cruelty and misbehavior on the part of Israel troops who last week carried out searches for Arab infiltrees in Arab villages throughout Galilee.

Mr. Ben Gurion opposed the motion, asserting that the Arab deputy was attempting “to slander the Israel Army” and cover up incitement against the government. He also stated that similar charges raised by the same deputy previously had proven false. The motion was defeated.

Fifty Arab infiltrees were rounded up and arrested in the Arab village of Tarshima during recent searches, it was announced here. On the outskirts of Petach Tikvah a farmer exchanged shots with infiltrees. This morning a wounded Arab was found on the property and a Sten gun was discovered a short distance away.