Begin criticizes the current government, and specifically Prime Minister Levi Eshkol, for its inability to deal with issues of aliyah, emigration, and unemployment. He states that “it is the mission of this State to bring our exiles together, to congregate those who were scattered.” However, due to unemployment, there has been a major decrease in aliyah and an increase in emigration.
Begin recalls the agreement made two years ago between the two political parties, the Herut Movement and the Israel Liberal Party, which in unison, formed Gahal. He explains that it was not an easy process to attain such an agreement. Since then, there has been some disagreement among members of both parties in which Begin points out. However, Begin assures, in the case that the two parties split up, “Herut would continue to keep to its path in faithful service to the people of Israel who sent to represent it.”
Menachem Begin addresses an audience at a memorial evening to Abraham Stern and to all the heroes of Lechi. He praises the great heroism instilled in these “rebels.” He mentions Abraham Stern, David Raziel, Meir Feinstein, and Moshe Barazani.
Begin justifies the operation in Hebron as he claims it was a right of national self-defense. He explains that there was no “exaggeration” in Israel crossing the armistice line and criticizes the Government for not preparing politically by “giving Jordan an alibi.”
Begin recalls Ben Gurion’s declaration of the abandonment of El Arish and criticizes him for doing the same with Gaza. Begin stresses the importance of Gaza to the security of Israel. He encourages the settlers of the Negev not to abandon their kibbutzim and moshavim and gives hope to the soldiers that fought for the liberation of Gaza that “Gaza was, and Gaza will be, a liberated Hebrew town.”
