Major Knesset Debates, 1948-1981
Dr. Netanel Lorch, a noted Israeli political and military historian who served for 12 years as Secretary General of the Knesset, selected and supervised the translation of the major Knesset debates dealing with the critical issues in Israel’s history from 1948 to 1981 in this classic six-volume work.
Each volume is available in full in pdf format, as are 18 key debates on major issues as listed below.
The Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs is proud to offer this unparalleled reference work, which makes a vital contribution to the understanding of Israel’s democracy and the continuing history of the Jewish people in its land.
Volume 1 - People’s Council and Provisional Council of State, 1948-1949
Volume 2 - The Constituent Assembly-First Knesset, 1949-1951
Volume 3 - Second Knesset, 1951-1955; Third Knesset, 1955-1959
Volume 4 - Fourth Knesset, 1959-1961; Fifth Knesset, 1961-1965; Sixth Knesset, 1965-1969
Volume 5 - Seventh Knesset, 1969-1973; Eighth Knesset, 1974-1977
June 23, 1948
On May 26, 1948, an agreement had been reached between representatives of the Haganah and the Irgun Zvai Leumi (IZL), according to which the IZL would voluntarily disband "within the frontiers of Israel" and its members join the Israel Defense Forces. Since Jerusalem had not been formally incorporated into the state, the IZL insisted on its right to maintain its independent existence there, and during the first truce brought a ship - theAltalena - to Israel, loaded with volunteers and arms.
Jerusalem and the Holy PlacesDecember 5, 1949
Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion's statement concerning Jerusalem and holy sites as the UN debated making Jerusalem an international city.
Law of ReturnJuly 3, 1950
Two years after the establishment of the state, the government presented the Law of Return to the Knesset, granting every Jew the right to immigrate to Israel.
Post-World War II Reparations from Germany January 7, 1952
The State of Israel came into existence only a few years after the end of World War II. In September 1951, German Chancellor Adenauer declared that he considered an "obligation of the German people to make compensation to the Jews."
The issue gave rise to one of the most dramatic, soul-searching and heated debates in the Knesset, which took place against the background of a violent demonstration in which stones were thrown into the building.
The Eichmann TrialJune 8, 1960
While the trial of one of the most notorious Nazi criminals, Adolf Eichmann, was being conducted, a significant constitutional issue was raised in the Knesset.
The Six-Day WarJune 5, 1967
Speech by Prime Minister Levi Eshkol describing the course of the Six-Day War. During his statement, Jordanian artillery was shelling Jerusalem, including the Knesset building, and the session took place in the basement shelter.
Treatment of the Arab Population in the Administered AreasJune 21, 1967
Following the Israeli conquest of territory in the Six-Day War, the government was prompted to decide how services should be provided to Arabs living in the territories.
Reunification of JerusalemJune 27, 1967
Following the Six-Day War, the Israeli government decided to effect the incorporation of east Jerusalem into the territory of the state.
Municipal Services in East JerusalemMarch 4, 1968
The reunification of Jerusalem gave rise not only to legal questions but also to the multitude of daily problems facing its residents.
The Yom Kippur WarOctober 16, 1973
The Knesset was called in from recess to meet for the first time since the outbreak of the war on October 6, 1973.
UN "Zionism is Racism" ResolutionNovember 11, 1975
The Allon Plan
September 21, 1976
Following the publication of an article in Foreign Affairs detailing the principles underlying Israel's defenition of secure and defensible borders, the Knesset convened to debate Foreign Minister Yigal Allon's plan.
Israel's Peace Plan with EgyptDecember 28, 1977
Prime Minister Menachem Begin discusses peace efforts with Egypt.
The Camp David AccordsSeptember 25, 1978
On September 5, 1978, Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat arrived at Camp David, Maryland, a White House retreat. After twelve days in isolation, they signed the Camp David Accords.
Basic Law: Jerusalem the Capital of IsraelJuly 23, 1980