The Israeli Ministry of Defense (1955 – 1956) and the Role Played by Pinhas Lavon in it

Abstract

Pinhas Lavon was nominated for the (Israeli) Ministry of Defense by Moshe Sharett’s government, to assume his ministerial duties despite the opposition of many figures within the government. Lavon had no relationship with Moshe Dayan, Chief of Staff of the Mapai Party. Because they considered themselves Ben-Gurion’s successors, and this led to creating a conflict over issues. Basic matters in the affairs of the Ministry of Defense. Lavon faced difficulty in controlling the military, and was manipulated and lied to by (Israeli) army officers. However, Lavon continued his work as Minister of Defense, and worked to repel the Arab attacks carried out by the Palestinians against (Israeli) military targets, at a time when his instructions were being violated by the army leaders, especially Moshe Dayan, who viewed him as having little military experience and that his position would make the military establishment appear weak before the Israelis and the Arab countries, especially after Lavon rejected the United States’ position on suspending the economic aid provided to (Israel).