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Our Right and Security

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Begin discusses the importance of keeping the land Israel gained in the Six-Day War. Begin explains the difference between negative and positive zealotry. He argues that Gahal has positive zealotry, and says that such zealotry helped establish Israel and encourage love for the Jewish Nation and its Motherland. Begin then talks about the importance of protecting the Motherland. He argues that the idea to agree to go back to the green line will threaten Israel because of the Ketyusha rockets, amongst other weapons Israel’s enemies have. Begin quotes statements made my individuals and international documents to prove that since Israel acted out of self-defense during the Six-Day War, it has a right to remain in the land gained. He states that Israel’s Government’s illusion of peace will result in bloodshed. He concludes by describing Judaea’s loss of Jerusalem and how two generations later, they fought back and returned to the land.

In Israel There Must Be a Sobering-Up

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Begin focuses on his disagreements with the Jarring Mission. First, he talks about the Israeli Government, which Gahal is no longer part of. He talks about how it was a problematic for the Government to use the word “withdrawal” when wanting peace with Arab neighbors. Such words led to Jarring’s two principles for permanent peace which lead to the UN Resolution 242. Begin believes that the Government put themselves in this situation. Regardless, Begin also believes that Jarring’s principles do not give the Arab nations any obligations. He believes that although they will claim that they already have acknowledged the sovereignty, the integrity, and the independence of Israel, their actions do not show it. Because of the 3 no’s, Arab nations insisted to meet separately and to not have direct negotiations. Jarring agreed to this. Begin hopes that Jarring and others will realize that the Arab nations are bluffing when saying they want peace with Israel.

Make Conversion Easier

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Begin speaks to the Knesset about Jewish and other nationalities in Israel. He emphasizes that one does not need to have to be Jewish to be a free citizen with equal rights in Israel. He also emphasizes that there is not a separation between Jewish nationhood and religion. Begin starts his speech showing that there can be a democratic State consisting of different nationalities. Because of Jewish history, Israel is sensitive to minorities living in Israel. Furthermore, Begin wants to prove that Judaism is far from racist. Then he shares that Herzl understood the intertwining between Jewish nationhood and religion. Begin points out that this connection can also be seen in the Bible. Begin argues that assimilation and intermarriage affects who is a Jew. There are people who are connected to Judaism, but are not considered Jewish. For the sake of these people, he argues, conversion should be made easier.

Jewish-Arab Relations in Israel

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Begin replies to a Knesset member’s open letter to him regarding the future of Palestinian people. He first states that by talking about Palestine or Palestinian people, then kibbutzniks are not farmers, but conquerors and invaders. Then he disagrees with the opinion that the cities of Bethlehem and Hebron are not part of Israel. He also disagrees with the vision of a bi-national State. This is because there are not only Jews and Arabs in Israel, there are also Druze. Additionally, Begin argues that many States are multi-ethnic, and, the countries that consist of one ethnic group are not necessarily peaceful. The third point Begin touches upon is that unlike minorities in many other countries, Arabs in Israel are given cultural self-determination. In his conclusion, he talks about the new “apologetic” or “justifying” Israeli. He does not believe Israelis need to justify their existence in Israel, and so he suggests that they disappear.

Gahal Ready to Enter Unity Cabinet

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In the interview, Begin discusses Gahal’s decision to be part of the potential Government of National Unity. The main reason why Gahal agreed is because of the “time of emergency and for a war of salvation.” Under usual circumstances, Begin would have recommended for Gahal not to agree to be part of the Government of National Unity, nor a limited coalition with the Alignment. Begin talks about the positive results of the Histadrut elections. The elections showed an increase in Gahal’s workers and representation. Additionally, Gahal gained popularity amongst the youth. Then the interview shifts to issues that Israel will be dealing with in the future. This includes: surrendering Sinai and the West Bank, Israeli law extending to land gained from Six-Day War, peace agreements with Arab nations, and Russia’s involvement in fighting against Israel.