Moshe Shertok and the Arab Problem: First Steps, 1931–1933

Abstract

Moshe Shertok’s nomination in 1931 as secretary of the Political Department and head of its Arab Bureau earmarked him as the Zionist movement’s leading figure in regard to the Arab subject. Shertok built the primary political foundations for the relationships established between the Zionist movement and Emir Abdullah of Trans-Jordan. He laid the groundwork for the Yishuv’s intelligence system in the field of running agents and informers. During this period, up to his nomination as head of the Political Department in 1933, Shertok formulated the Yishuv’s Arab strategy. He soon became aware that the Mufti’s growing power and the rise of the Istiklal party would necessitate that the Yishuv manage the conflict in light of the fact that there was no Palestinian leadership with which any agreement could be reached.