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Ben Gurion Plans Relaxation of Military Rule in Arab Sections of Israel

July 17, 1959
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A five-man Ministerial Committee of the Israel Cabinet today recommended relaxations of military government in Arab sections of Israel and the easing of restrictions on the movements of minority populaces.

The law now provides for free movement during daylight hours in all parts of Israel except the Negev, which is a “security zone. ” Israel’s Arab citizens have complained about the restrictions.

Independently of the committee recommendations, Prime Minister David Ben Gurion, acting in his capacity as Defense Minister, had announced plans for relaxations of the restrictions. However, he sought to delay implementation until after the forthcoming national elections to prevent the matter becoming a political issue.

The Progressive and left-wing members of the Ministerial Committee were reported as anticipating support of the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament, for immediate implementation.

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