Alternative to Mapai is a Necessity
Begin calls for the Herut and Liberal parties to unite in the face of Mapai’s dominance of the Knesset.
Archives: Articles
We Await You with a Pounding Heart
On the occasion of the Knesset to reenter Ze’ev Jabotinsky’s remains on Mount Herzl, Begin delivered this eulogy to his master and teacher. He discusses Jabotinsky’s upbringing, his activities and exile from Palestine, and his influence on Zionism.
Two Urgent Matters
Begin discusses the decision to surrender the Beit Safafa neighborhood to the Jordanians and the mistreatment of the Bnei Israel community by the chief rabbinate.
Begin Urges Eshkol – Face the Facts
Begin replies to Levi Eshkol’s remarks made during the foreign affairs debate in the Knesset. First Begin explains that during the debate, Eshkol defended his own comment regarding what Khrushchev said in Egypt. Then Begin explains how Eshkol erred and what will be the repercussions for Israel. Begin shifts to address another mistake Eshkol made. His mistake was not speaking to the U.S. about the activity of German scientists in Egypt. Begin shares that these scientists are a threat to Israel’s existence. In addition to Israel-U.S. relationship, he touches upon the Israel-France relationship. Begin concludes that it is crucial for Israel to change Russia’s current hostility towards Israel.
The German Threat to Israel
Begin addresses the Knesset focusing on the different threats Israel is facing. He also expresses frustration towards Levi Eshkol for downplaying these threats while he was in the United States as a guest of the President. For example, regarding the Russia-Egypt relationship, Eshkol referred to Nikita Khrushchev’s statements as somewhat moderate, while Begin argues that they are extremely anti-Semitic. Begin touches upon what was said at the African summit conference and shifts to focus on Germany. Begin argues that Eshkol did not cease the opportunity to encourage world opinion to use its influence to put an end to German scientists assisting in Egypt. Begin affirms that regardless of the intention of Israel’s enemies, Israel will not be destroyed. Begin’s concern is that a war will lead to spilt Jewish blood. Begin concludes with speaking positively about the Israel-France relationship, and believes that France should not just be a friend of Israel, but also an ally.
