Israel’s position in the Middle East as a consequence of the Syrian Government’s break with the United Arab Republic was discussed by the Cabinet here today. It was the first meeting of the Cabinet since Syria broke away from the UAR. Major General Zvi Tsur, chief of staff of Israel’s defense forces, reported on the latest political developments in the area resulting from the Syrian situation.
Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion, as head of the caretaker Government which is still in office while a new coalition is being formed, presided at the Cabinet meeting for the first time since the August elections. He eulogized Dr. Moshe Smoira, former Israeli Chief Justice, who died here today at the age of 77. Justice Smoira retired seven years ago due to ill health. The members of the Cabinet stood in silence for a minute in tribute to the former Chief Justice. Born and educated in Germany, Dr. Smoira came to Palestine in 1923, engaged here in legal practice and, for many years, was legal advisor to Histadrut. He was the author of a number of juridical works.
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