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Israel Government Establishes Special Supreme War Committee Headed by Ben Gurion

July 16, 1948
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A special five-member cabinet war committee was established today “by the Provisional Government of Israel.

The group includes Premier and Defense Minister David Ben Gurion and Finance Minister Eliezer Kaplan, representing the Labor Party; Interior Minister Itzhak Gruenbaum, a General Zionist; Immigration Minister Moshe Shapiro, of the Mizrachi, and Agriculture Minister Aaron Zisling, or the United Workers Party.

Meanwhile, ten members of the Israeli State Council have asked that the Council convene a special meeting to review the present military situation, but it was learned today that the government is opposed to this move which is supported only by the Mizrachi, Agudah and Revisionist representatives on the Council. A proposal has also been put forward calling for the creation of a foreign affairs committee within the Council.

The Council, which is scheduled to meet in a regular session this evening, will discuss the question of appointing members to Israel’s supreme Judicial body, justice Minister Felix Rosenblueth is expected to propose that Moshe Smoira, Menachim Dunkelbaum, Dr. Abraham Weinshal, Le Geitein, R. Elshan, B. Agranat and Rabbi Bimcha Assaf be nemed to the highest bench. Labor members of the Council, however, have expressed opposition to Weinshal’s appointment on the grounds that he is a Revisionist. The meeting will also decide on a special flag for the Council and legislation to aid Israeli soldiers1 families.

A large quantity of currency notes ordered from the United States months ago arrived in Tel Aviv, today and will be put into circulation immediately to serve as auxiliary currency.

Andre Philippe, former French Finance Minister, was received by Premier Ben Gurion this morning and later met with Foreign Minister Moshe Shertok. He w told both Israeli officials that he was greatly Impressed with what he had seen I in the Jewish state and promised that when he returned to France he would work for the support} of the now state.

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