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You Have No Right to Partition Eretz Israel’

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This article summarizes and quotes Begin in his speech that explains why Gahal put forward a motion of no confidence in the Government. He explains how Golda Meir’s interview with the London Times suggests that she believes in partitioning Israel. Begin argues that she did not get approval from the Government or the Knesset. In the interview, Meir made a distinction between the Golan Heights and Judea and Samaria. Begin argues that in both cases “we paid in causalities.” Additionally, he argues against her decision to praise Anwar Sadat for being the first Egyptian leader to consider peace with Israel. He concludes that if the Government does not want to resign, then it should go to the polls to see if Israelis support their actions.

Begin Calls on Government to Meet Washington Pressure by Holding New Elections

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Begin talks at a press conference about the pressure the United States is putting on Israel towards accepting the Rogers Plan. In response to this, he argues that there should be a public political campaign against the Rogers Plan in the U.S. He believes that by getting the American public involved, the U.S. Legislature will annul the Rogers plan. In regards to the Government of National Unity, Begin says that he regrets that there is not one currently and that he would agree to join such a Government if there was a political campaign in the U.S. against the Rogers Plan. He references a few times that the Rogers Plan could also be called Nixon Plan. He then shares his belief that if the actions of the U.S. and the Israeli Government do not change, there will need to be a law proroguing the Knesset. He explains what the process would look like. He argues that peace is far away and that Israel cannot surrender to external pressure.

Israel Diplomacy is Moving in Circles

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Begin explains that based on Anwar Sadat’s words and actions, it is delusional of Israel to believe that peace will come from the Rogers Plan. In a speech, Sadat says that Egypt’s goals of war are to force Israel back into the pre-Six-Day War borders and to safeguard Palestinian rights. Furthermore, Sadat threatens to end the ceasefire if Israel does not begin to withdrawal from the east bank of the Suez Canal. Begin understands that the meaning of these goals is to destroy Israel. His response is that Israel needs to answer strongly to show that threats will not weaken Israel. Begin believes that people are delusional if they support withdrawal and therefore, trust international forces to secure Israel. Begin does not trust the current peace agreements. In the end, he argues that peace agreements need to through direct negotiations and that Jews have an unconditional right to Israel.

Message for the Zionist Membership Drive

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A message Begin delivered to the membership drive of the World Zionist Congress. After the Six Day War Israel liberated Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria. This fits with the ideology that the Herut Movement has always preached. Herut has also won a long-standing ideological victory on its consistent stance that there should be a massive aliyah from the Soviet Union.

Encounters with Jewish Youth

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Begin shares his various encounters with Zionist youth, nationally and internationally. In one situation, American Zionists associated with Hashomer Hatzair distributed leaflets comparing Gahal to Fatah outside of Begin’s hotel. The leaflet argues that both want to be in complete control of the entire region, and the conclusion they draw is that neither Gahal nor Fatah will bring peace and justice to the Middle East. Begin is more upset about Zionists publically shaming Israel than his party being compared to Fatah. He also shares the response he gives to Zionist youth who ask him about Deir Yassin. Begin then shifts to sharing positive interactions with Zionist youth. He focuses on Russian Jews and their nationalistic beliefs. Begin briefly brings up the increase in aliyah post- Six Day War and concludes that he hopes that more Zionist youth will bring comfort, instead of distress regarding the future of Israel.