Talks Between Labor. Mapam to Determine Future of Alignment

Discussions have begun between Mapam and the Labor Party that are expected to determine whether Mapam remains part of Premier Yitzhak Rabin’s Labor Alignment or strikes out on its own in the next elections. Mapam itself is split. A majority of its members, including veteran leaders like Yaacov Hazan, want the faction to continue its alignment with Labor so as to work for changes from within.

But there is growing minority sentiment in Mapam favoring a break. This group is totally disillusioned with the Labor Party’s policies in the political, social and organizational spheres and is disappointed with Rabin’s leadership. Mapam was totally behind the Premier when he was elected in 1974. They believed his views coincided with the “doveish” leanings of Mapam. But several developments altered that opinion.

One was Rabin’s appointment of the right-wing Gen. Ariel Sharon, founder of the Likud opposition, as his special advisor. Sharon has since resigned that post. Another was the government’s vacillation in face of the militant Orthodox Gush Emunim’s defiance of government policy barring unauthorized Jewish settlements on the West Bank.

Many in Mapam are also disturbed by the Rabin government’s apparent lack of a peace plan and its failure to take any new peace initiatives. In the social arena, Rabin is faulted for lacking a plan to close the social and economic gap in Israel by raising the living standards of the poor. Some of his critics say the gap between the privileged and underprivileged classes in Israel is widening.

Mapam has also complained bitterly that Rabin and his closest associates ignore the democratically elected bodies of the Labor Alignment when basic policy decisions are made.

MAPAM TAKEN TO TASK

A meeting to discuss these issues was held Thursday night between the leadership of Mapam and the Labor Party. Former Premier Golda Meir led the discussion for Labor by asking Mapam

“Who are these friends, these socialists, that we have to take them into consideration?” she asked. “is it (Austrian Chancellor Bruno)Kreisky? Or (Sweden’s Premier Olof) Palme? Or is it (West German Chancellor Helmut) Schmidt? We cannot rely on such friends.” Despite Mapam’s contention that socialists are being alienated, Mrs. Meir pointed out that Israel continues to engage in discussions with socialist leaders.

No decision was taken at this meeting regarding Mapam’s future in the alignment, but talks are to continue. The attitude of most Labor Party speakers at the meeting was in favor of continuing the alignment. Among those present from Labor was Premier Yitzhak Rabin. Defense Minister Shimon Peres, and Meir Zarmi. Mapam was represented by Hazan, Meir Talmi and Victor Shemtov.