Transcripts of the Security Cabinet

ד.1 | Security Cabinet, 22nd October (afternoon)

A two-and-a-half hour discussion following the sinking of Israel’s frigate Eilat by the Egyptians. The minsters tended towards retaliating by attacking the Egyptian air force, pending further information.

To read the transcript, click here.

ד.2 | Security Cabinet, 22nd October 1967 (evening, in Tel Aviv)

This was the second long meeting of the Cabinet that day, at the end of which it was decided to retaliate to the Egyptian sinking of the Israeli frigate Eilat by attacking the oil refineries in Suez.

To read the transcript, click here.

ד.3 | Security Cabinet, 6th November 1967

A report on the Syrian army, which has returned to its pre-war strength and built defensive lines between the Golan and Damascus. The assumption was that the Syrians had no immediate aggressive intentions but the potential had been created.

There followed a long discussion about the way to respond to Fatah attacks from Jordan, in the Jordan Valley. Various options were discussed, even including the creation of military settlements (Nahal). It was decided to concentrate on defensive measures, with resort to military force only in response to attacks. Finally, there was a discussion of building a road along the North-Western coast of the Dead Sea. The project was authorized pending on identifying a budgetary source; a consideration was that it would create work for the West Bank.

To read the transcript, click here.

ד.4 | Security Cabinet, 12th November 1967

Discussion of the maneuverings at the UN toward a post-war resolution. Yet another discussion on how to mark official maps. Finally the Cabinet deliberated whether or not to publicly encourage Muslims to make pilgrimage to Jerusalem; it was decided not to.

To read the transcript, click here.

ד.5 | Security Cabinet, 15th November 1967

The meeting began with an unfocussed discussion of various matters, including the ongoing suspension of weapon sales from the US, El Fatah activity on the West bank, and the ongoing maneuvering at the UN. There was a report about the schools in the territories; In Gaza and East Jerusalem they’re open, on the WB they are in the process of opening. The Cabinet discussed alternate modes of control of the territories, and preferred minimal intervention in the daily lives of the populace. A request to move the Hebron Yeshiva back to hebron was discussed; the ministers were skeptical. It was decided to keep the Tomb of the Patriarchs open to Jews on Saturdays. Finally, there was yet another discussion o fIssar harel’s book on Eichmann.

To read the transcript, click here.

ד.6 | Security Cabinet, 16th November 1967

A long discussion in which the ministers responded to the emerging draft of what was to be Resolution 242.

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ד.7 | Security Cabinet 22nd November 1967

Discussion Of the mode of communications with the Jordanian military. The minsters preferred the communications should be direct, not via the UN. This was followed by a report on recent violent clashes on the Jordanian border. Some of the ministers demanded to know why the air force had been used, and there was a heated but inconclusive discussion about how the air force should be used. There was a report about the deployment of the Arab armies. Finally, the Minister of Defense requested authorization to expropriate land on the West Bank for military bases and roads to them. After another tense discussion this was granted, pending identifying budgetary sources.

To read the transcript, click here.

ד.8 | Security Cabinet, 6th December 1967

Following a detailed report about the IDF’s deployment and the estimated dangers it faces, the minsters held a long discussion about the authority of the Cabinet vs the military in interpreting Egyptian intentions and planning responses. The discussion continued regarding who decides when to use the air force during border clashes. Then it was decided not to use the UN during clashes with Jordan; and not to allow anyone to cultivate empty areas south of Tirat Zvi.

To read the transcript, click here.

ד.9 | Security Cabinet, 14th December 1967

The incoming Chief of Staff (Haim Bar Lev) gave a report about recent border clashes.

The ministers discussed the phenomenon of Israeli politicians and public figures meeting public figures in the territories. It was decided to explain the leaders of the political parties why this is a bad idea. It was then discussed and eventually decided to exile two inciters from Ramallah to Jordan, after the coming visit of Gunnar Yaring.

The decision of the previous week regarding empty farmland in the Jordan Valley was re-visited and the decision changed: given the advanced season it was decided the government (not locals or settlers) would cultivate the area. The ministers deliberated whether they should be communicating with local leaders in the territories, and postponed the decision until after a scheduled discussion of the future of the territories. Yisrael Galili was tasked with preparing a proposal for presenting Israel’s policies to the public in the territories. The Minster of Police was tasked with preparing a program to enhance the protection of public places. There were inconclusive discussions regarding the Arab POWs, the possibility that the British evacuation of Aden would hurt Israeli shipping, and who should get the 6-Day-War decoration.

To read the transcript, click here.

ד.10 | Security Cabinet, 20th December 1967

Inconclusive discussion of the future of the West Bank, including a report by Abba Eban on the international situation following resolution 242.

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ד.11 | Security Cabinet, 26th December 1967 (morning session)

Further discussion of the future of the territories.

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ד.12 | Security Cabinet, 27th December 1967

The minsters deliberated what to do about media reports based on leaks from the Cabinet, and decided to explore legal measures.

Abba Eban reported on the meetings with Gunnar Jarring; the next sections of the meeting related to this. Discussion of the POWs; it was decided to make gestures to break the deadlock. It was decided to enable the departure of ships stuck in the Suez Canal, to the south.

The IDF requested authorization to create an airfield near Sharm el Sheikh. This was OKed. Likewise authorized: Arab workers from the territories may leave to work in neighboring countries and be allowed back in. The Chief of Police described his additional needs; a committee of ministers was set up to make recommendations.

At the end of the meeting Levi Eshkol announced his intention in a future meeting to discuss encouraging young non-Israeli Jews to come assist with semi-military tasks; and also his plan to dismantle a refugee camp on the West Bank.

To read the transcript, click here.

ד.13 | Full Cabinet, sitting as the Security Cabinet, 31st December 1967

This was an unusually long meeting, beginning in the morning, continuing in the evening, and ending only around midnight (apparently). The ministers tried to reach a common position on the future of the territories, but failed.

To read the transcript, click here.