Israel Faces Tough Time at UN Session
Begin discusses American pressure to make concessions to Egypt for peace, increasing Egyptian threats, and the development of Soviet influence in the region.
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The Way to Peace (1971)
In response to threats issued by President Anwar Sadat, Begin here compares the Soviet-Egyptian treaty to the Molotov-Ribbentrop treaty and urges Jewish unity. He closes by reiterating Gahal’s platform, which he terms an alternative to withdrawal from territory: direct negotiations, no prior obligations, and maintaining the situation at the time of the ceasefire until a full peace treaty is concluded.
Rogers Plan Will Not Bring Peace
This article summarizes and quotes Begin’s address to the Knesset after Golda Meir announces Gahal’s resignation from the Cabinet. The reason for Gahal returning to be the Opposition party is because of the Cabinet’s decision to consider withdrawing without peace agreements. He shares how Gunnar Jarring’s letter of appointment was not constructed with the help of Israel. He also shares that he believes that there was and is an alternative to signing such document. Begin argues that by signing the document, it will not bring peace but rather prolong bloodshed. He concludes that Israel “returned to Jerusalem not by right of victory but by the victory of rightand let it be known throughout the world: Our right is eternal.”
Don’t be in a Hurry Mr. Sisco
Begin opposes an idea raised at a luncheon attended by Americans and Israelis. The idea, raised by American diplomats, was that Russia’s involvement had to do with the Israel-Arab conflict, and therefore, Israel was indirectly responsible for Russia’s actions. Begin points out that Israel is actually preventing Russia from gaining control of the Suez Canal. He argues that just how the Vietnam War cannot end quickly, the opening of the Suez Canal also needs to be a slow process. Therefore, he asks for the United States to slow down the talks about opening the Suez Canal. Begin states that Sadat does not actually want peace and based on his two terms for pace, he actually wants to liquidate Israel. In his conclusion, he talks about violence happening between Arabs and makes the argument that if they are ruthlessly fighting each other, it does not make sense for Israel to trust them.
Israel Has Now Come Full Circle
Begin discusses the relationship between Israel and the United States because of William Rogers and his Plan. Rogers visited Cairo and said that Egypt has done everything required for peace and when he visited Israel, he said that it was now Israel’s turn to do the same. Begin argues, though, that Anwar Sadat’s agreement to making peace with Israel would, in stages, destroy Israel. With that being said, if Israel does not agree to the concessions the U.S. demands, there could be potential U.S. economic pressure. Begin mentions a number of Ministers who say that Israel will stand firm and reject the pressure. Begin is skeptical of the Government’s strong position because a few months ago, this was not the Government’s position. Begin believes that there are other influential countries besides the U.S.; however, he hopes that the U.S. will see Egypt as “Moscow’s satellite” and will not deprive Israel of military supplies and economic assistance.
