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Israel Prepares for Opening of Assembly on Monday; First Session Will Elec President

February 9, 1949
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All technical and organizational arrangements for ceremonious opening of Israel’s Constituent Assembly next Monday afternoon in Jerusalem are nearing completion, it was reported here today. The arrangements are by the presidium and secretariat of the State Council.

Invitations to the first session, which will last from Monday to Friday, have sent to all members of the Assembly, representatives of foreign states, members of the first and present World Zionist Congress, the Justices of the Israeli Supreme court and many other prominent figures in Israeli life. Provisional President Chairman will open the session with an address, at the conclusion of which he will request the newly-elected members of the today to rise and take their oath of office, with he will administer.

Zorach Wahrhaftig, chairman of the State Council’s Ways and Means Committee, told a press conference that the parliament will be named Knesseth–the Hebrew for assembly and that the first task to which the body will turn its attention election of a President of the state of Israel. On the second day, the member of the Khesseth will elect a chairman, three vice-chairmen and an honorary secretary of the body.

Within three days after the election of a President, the chief of state will ##tend an invitation to a member of the Khesseth to form a government. The Cabinet will consist of an unlimited number of minister a, depending upon the requirements of the government. Ministers need not be members of the Khesseth.The President may dissolve the Khesseth only once during his term of office, and then only if for three months he has been unsuccessful in getting a government formed.

The President will remain in off ice for the term of the Khesseth and three months thereafter. He may be removed only if two-thirds of the Assembly charge him with treason, a criminal offense or bribery. If he is so charged a constitutional court consisting of three legislators and four members of the Supreme Court, including Justice, will hear the case and will pass sentence.

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