While the national elections were taking place, the government and the Israelites did not meet again. However, this did not mean all was quiet. The Israelite position grew more militant. They prevented all white people from coming near Ntabelanga. For instance, no tax collectors were allowed to enter the holy village, since the Israelites refused to pay taxes. This was a popular act among many Africans in the Eastern Cape and won the Israelites much sympathy. As one Israelite told a crowd of people: ‘Do you people still pay taxes. Because we no longer pay taxes where we are.’ White officials were also concerned about how Africans perceived the Israelite seizure of land for their village. A Lady Frere magistrate expressed his concern that landless Africans in his area were talking about the ‘simple method’ the Israelites had taken of obtaining land.

Thus the Israelites stood out. They had created an independent community for themselves. They governed themselves. They did not pay taxes. They had developed an alternative to white rule. For that reason the government could not allow them to succeed.

Within the Israelite camp there was an expectation that the end of the world was drawing near and the confrontation with the government would not end well. When one Israelite brought converts to Ntabelanga, he greeted the prophet: ‘Bota (Hail) Israel.’

The government resumed negotiations with the Israelites in early April. This time it sent out the newly established Native Affairs Commission. The commission had been established in 1920 to consult and discuss with Africans on many issues. It was an advisory group and did not have the authority to make laws or policies. The negotiation with the Israelites was its first test.