The coalition cabinet formed by Premier Moshe Sharett was confirmed tonight by the Israel Parliament which gave the new four-party coalition a 75 to 23 vote of confidence with five abstentions.
Shortly after the vote, Mr. Sharett presented his new cabinet to President Itzhak Ben Zvi.
Confirmation of the government followed a rough and tumble debate. Jacob Hazan, Mapam leader, condemned the “long and shameful negotiations” which led to formation of the four-party coalition and pledged unrelenting opposition. He was, in turn, assailed by Akiva Govrin, chief negotiator for Mapai, who charged Hazan with obstructing formation of a government “based on all the creative forces in the country.”
Haim Ariav, speaking for the General Zionists, second largest party in the coalition, called the new government the best possible combination of forces to govern the country and bring about better conditions.
A Progressive spokesman said his party would not participate in the coalition because of the inter-party agreement on legislation to deny Knesset seats to parties securing less than 4. 2 percent of the total vote in a national election.
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