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Whoever Tries to Destroy Us Will Be Destroyed

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Begin addresses the Knesset, urging them to come together against continued Israel-Germany relations. He first reminds his audience of what Germans did to Jews during the Holocaust, less than a generation ago. He shares that a year ago, when Herut found out that there were German scientists in Egypt, Herut initiated the campaign for Israel to demand Germany to remove their scientists from Egypt. However, Ben-Gurion claimed that the German government should not be held responsible for the scientists’ activities in Egypt. Begin declares what Israel has given Germany, and in return, Germany is assisting Egypt, Israel’s enemy. Begin concludes that Herut and other parties created a joint resolution, because “against our enemies we shall stand as one people.”

Menachem Begin’s Case Against Military Rule

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Begin addresses the Knesset and argues that Israel should no longer have a Military Government. He provides examples to show that this type of Government is not protecting the country. Begin argues that ending Military rule will not threaten Israel’s security. Begin concludes by proposing that “no single right granted to any civilian or military authority be abrogated until the Knesset adopts an all-embracing law to safeguard the security of the State.”

Why Herut Must be in the Histadrut

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Begin’s address at the Herut Convention in Tel Aviv focuses on reasons why Herut should be in the Histadrut. He first speaks about the importance of the potential bloc between Herut and the Liberal Party. This leads him into speaking about why he believes there is a space for Herut in Histadrut. One argument he makes is that the Histadrut is no longer majority socialists. Additionally, some current members are not afraid to declare their allegiance with Herut. Mapai is the party that’s afraid because they are losing their monopoly over the Histadrut. This fear is shown in their attempt to alter the Histadrut’s constitution so Herut cannot join. He concludes that he believes Herut will be part of the Government in the upcoming years.

What is Behind the Municipal Scandal

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Begin criticizes Mapai’s attempts to regain control of the Beersheva and Rishon LeZion. He explains that Mapai tried to form a coalition with Herut in both cities. Begin shares that Mapai used to gain support by proclaiming its hatred towards Herut. Additionally, Begin explains that Herut and the Liberals have a relationship Herut wants to honor that. Furthermore, Begin argues that Herut will not help Mapai regain any local power and Herut will continue to work towards defeating Mapai in the cities Mapai still rules. Begin argues that Mapai is power-hungry as a result of their disbelief that a different party can successfully rule. Begin concludes that the country can do well without Mapai, with Beersheva being an example.

When was it Wise…This Year or Last

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Begin focuses on the Government’s stances in 1961 and 1962 towards a potential resolution in the UN for direct Israel-Arab peace negotiations. Begin argues that it is problematic when a Government believes it is always in the right, and he speaks about Mapai’s relationship with Beersheva. Mapai is under the impression that it created modern Beersheva, and because of this, Mapai is shocked to see that Beersheva is still functioning without the control of Mapai. Then Begin speaks about how in 1961, the Government made a mistake by persisting a resolution for direct Israel-Arab talks. Then in 1962, with U.S. pressure, the Government agreed to not have the resolution voted on in the UN. Begin shares that in 1961, Herut knew the Government made a mistake and concludes that Herut will continue to speak out when the Government makes mistakes in the future.