“Original Signature of David Ben-Gurion: Rare Historical Letter to Moshe Sharett on the Lavon Affair” 1961

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Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion signs a rare historical letter to Moshe Sharett, dealing with the attempt to resolve the “Givat Haim Libel” in the shadow of the “Lavon Affair” investigations – the intelligence fiasco that shook the state’s leadership.

Item Description: Typed Letter Signed (TLS): “D. Ben-Gurion” (in Hebrew), on the official stationery of the Prime Minister of Israel. Dimensions: Approx. 16.5 x 19.5 cm (6½ x 7¾ inches), 1 page. Date: 15 Adar 5721, March 3, 1961.

Letter Content (in full): “To Moshe Sharett – Peace and blessings, In my letter to you dated 13.10.1960 I wrote: ‘I will not deal with the Givat-Haim libel until the clarification of the Lavon affair is concluded in the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and in the trial that will be held following a legal investigation by a competent committee according to the law in Israel.’ Since there is no certainty that such a legal committee will be established, and ‘The Horror’ in the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee (as you defined it in your appearance before the committee) has ended – I am willing to do everything possible on my part to eliminate what you call the ‘Givat Haim libel,’ and I would be glad to receive a proposal from you: what I must do to achieve this. And I will do everything possible in terms of truth, friendship, and fairness. With deepest respect, D. Ben-Gurion”

Historical Background: David Ben-Gurion served as Prime Minister of Israel from 1948–1953 and 1955–1963; Moshe Sharett served as Prime Minister from 1953–1955 and as Foreign Minister until 1956. The “Lavon Affair” (The Mishap) was a failed intelligence operation launched in Egypt in 1954, which led to a severe political and security crisis that brought Ben-Gurion back to the government as Minister of Defense. The “Givat Haim Libel” refers to a speech given by Ben-Gurion in January 1957, in which he harshly criticized the policies of Sharett (whom he had ousted just months earlier), which Sharett perceived as a deep personal smear and a “blood libel.” In this letter, Ben-Gurion attempts to bridge the profound personal rift that had opened between them.

Item Condition: Light creases and age stains. Subtle rust marks from a paperclip on the upper left. Fold lines (the vertical fold line lightly touches one letter of the signature). Very good overall condition. Framed