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Mapam Leaders Urge Widest Emergency Government in Israel

April 13, 1954
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Establishment of an “emergency government, ” which would include the left-wing opposition Mapam Party, to deal with what they described as a “permanent state of war” along Israel’s frontiers, was demanded this week-end by speakers addressing the Mapam-controlled Hakibbutz Hameuchad (council of settlements) conference at Yagur.

The speakers, who included Itzhak Ben Aharon, Col. Igal Alon and Nahum Sarig, all leaders of Mapam, also called on the government to take active measures to destroy the marauders’ nests along the frontier. Col. Alon warned that unless those responsible for maintaining order in the Arab countries prevented further raids on Israel territory, Israel would be compelled to take possession of the trouble spot areas and maintain peace and order there.

Sharp criticism of the Mapam leaders was voiced at another meeting this weekend by Dr. Moshe Sneh, leader of a dissident left faction. He told an audience at Yad Hannah, near Tulkarem, that there was no difference between the leaders of the Mapam and Herut (rightwing party) since both were thinking in nationalist terms. He warned that the kibbutz movement must help to overthrow the present coalition government of Israel or else the “regime will undermine the kibbutz and its ideals. “

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