First government of Israel
First Ben-Gurion Cabinet | |
|---|---|
1st Cabinet of Israel | |
| Date formed | 10 March 1949 |
| Date dissolved | 30 October 1950 |
| People and organisations | |
| Head of state | Chaim Weizmann |
| Head of government | David Ben-Gurion |
| Member parties | Mapai United Religious Front Progressive Party Sephardim and Oriental Communities Democratic List of Nazareth |
| Status in legislature | Coalition |
| Opposition leader | Meir Ya'ari |
| History | |
| Election | 1949 Israeli legislative election |
| Legislature term | 1st Knesset |
| Predecessor | Provisional cabinet of Israel |
| Successor | 2nd cabinet of Israel |
The first government of Israel was formed by David Ben-Gurion on 8 March 1949, a month and a half after the elections for the First Knesset. His Mapai party formed a coalition with the United Religious Front, the Progressive Party, the Sephardim and Oriental Communities and the Democratic List of Nazareth, and there were 12 ministers.
A notable piece of legislation enacted during the term of the first government was an educational law in 1949 which introduced compulsory schooling for all children between the ages of 5 and 14.
Ben-Gurion resigned on 15 October 1950 after the United Religious Front objected to his demands that the Supply and Rationing Ministry be closed and a businessman appointed as Minister for Trade and Industry, as well as issues over education in the new immigrant camps.