LOT #47227 |
Sold on Apr 5, 2024 for: Not Sold
David Ben-Gurion Autograph Letter Signed. ...
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Description
David Ben-Gurion Autograph Letter Signed. One page, 5.5" x 7.75", Tel Aviv, Israel; August 12, 1964. Letter written by Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion one year after leaving office, to politician Shraga Netzer. An informal exchange between friends, the letter reflects the growing animosity between Ben-Gurion and Prime Minister Levi Eshkol. He writes, "[t]he moment that, on the basis of the advice and pleas of Eshkol, the government refuses to follow the advice of the Minister of Justice, I know (and it has little importance, I am one of two million residents, and it doesn't make much difference) that I will no longer continue to view Eshkol as my representative." Signed, "David Ben-Gurion."Close allies for decades, Ben-Gurion originally groomed Eshkol to take his place as Prime Minister and head of the Mapai Party when he stepped down in 1963. However, shortly after Eshkol came into power, a bitter feud over the failed Lavon Affair turned the men into rivals. Also known as Operation Susannah, the incident took place in Egypt in the summer of 1954. Using covert agents, Israeli forces planted bombs inside civilian targets owned by Egyptians, Americans, and British and blamed the attacks on the Muslim Brotherhood. However, the stunt backfired and resulted in the capture and suicide of two agents, the conviction and execution of two others, and the resignation of Israeli Defense Minister Pinhas Lavon.
After new evidence surfaced in 1960, Ben-Gurion insisted on a series of closed hearings. Once Eshkol took over, however, he chose instead to issue a statement that placated both sides, which conflicted with Ben-Gurion's investigation. In response, Ben-Gurion refused to accept the compromise and interpreted Eshkol's decision as a betrayal of the Mapai Party. Ben-Gurion ultimately split from his colleagues to form the Rafi Party and unsuccessfully challenged Eshkol in the 1965 elections.
Condition: Creased along folds. Two punch holes along the right margin with minor toning. Two small chips along the top and bottom margins.
Auction Info
2024 April 5 Historical Manuscripts Signature® Auction #6285 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
April, 2024
5th
Friday
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