Ben Gurion and the Eichmann Trial in Yad Vashem Studies, Volume 36:1

The Founding Father and the War Criminal’s Trial: Ben Gurion and the Eichmann Trial

The article shows that David Ben-Gurion was involved in the Eichmann trial, which reflected an attitude different from his attitude towards the Holocaust during the 1950s, when his part in discussions connected to the Holocaust was limited. This was clearly evident, for example, in the Kasztner trial. With regard to Eichmann, Ben-Gurion was involved in the following points: He opposed Nahum Goldmann’s suggestion to establish international court that would try Eichmann. He attacked the suggestion and Goldmann personally, claiming that the suggestion infringed on the state’s sovereignty; He did not want the trial to damage Israel’s relationship with West Germany; He was involved in the discussion about the death penalty for Eichmann.