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Ben Gurion the Totalitarian

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Begin analyzes two situations that recently happened in the country. The first event is when a former Judge Advocate of the Haganah, Dr. Gorali, faced trial on a charge for libeling the Attorney General and Legal Adviser to the Government, Moshe Shapira. Gorali accused Shapira of conducting the Be’eri trial improperly “for personal reasons”. Begin argues that this incident weakens the status of justice in Israel. The second situation is Ben-Gurion’s threat to a Communist Knesset member. The member had denounced the Chairman of the United Jewish Appeal because he spoke negatively about Russia to the Associated Press correspondent. Begin mentions that he disagrees with both the Knesset member’s actions and Ben-Gurion’s response that “this State also knows how to imprison and confine.” Begin identifies his response as a hint of totalitarianism. He concludes claiming that there is no need to fear his totalitarian threats because in actuality, Ben-Gurion does not hold much power.

A Free People–Or a Police State

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Begin speaks to the Knesset, expressing concern that the Government has not proceeded to formulate a constitution for Israel. He starts with an example to show that without a constitution, the Government can follow laws from the British Mandate. Then Begin explains that currently Israelis do not have privacy, and that their right to privacy will be secure only with a constitution. Additionally, Begin explains that, currently, one is discriminated against if that person is not aligned with Mapai’s views. The mistrust the Government has for its citizens will lead Israel to become a police State. To prevent this, a constitution is necessary. Begin identifies that the people opposing a constitution, also were the people willing to give up part of Eretz Israel. Begin concludes with two options to move forward: the Government begins drafting a constitution, or the Government arranges a plebiscite.

What Peace With Abdullah Means

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In this translation of a speech given by Menachem Begin in the Knesset on January 2nd, 1950, Begin criticizes Mr. Sharett for his positions on Israel’s foreign affairs. He criticizes Sharett for wanting to make a peace treaty with King Abdullah. According to Begin, making peace with Abdullah means turning “the wheel of history backwards,” by bringing British power back into the state of Israel. It would also mean recognition that Abdullah is justified in occupying certain areas of Israel that he has occupied, including the Old City of Jerusalem. Begin also expands on the fact that Sharett and his colleagues are responsible for the alienation of Israel and for no longer having aid from the other Powers such as Russia, America, and France. Begin encourages his listeners to proclaim Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and states that whether people are for or against it, there is no change in his agenda.

Beigin Sums Up

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Begin addresses the Knesset focusing on topics important for the future of Israel. Begin first emphasizes the importance for the State to have a constitution. Begin then talks about the condition of Israel’s economy. He specifically talks about the fault of Ben-Gurion depending on Diaspora funds and private capital. Additionally, Begin mentions how the change in currency does not financially benefit Israel; it is simply following England’s lead. Then Begin discusses the issues of unemployment and standard of living. He mentions how the nation is starving, which directly affects labor productivity, which leads to lack of housing for immigrants. Begin touches upon Jews endangered in Arab countries and how Ben-Gurion is not taking any action to protect them. Lastly, Begin goes into detail about the importance of Jerusalem being undivided and the capital for Israel and provides a draft law for Jerusalem to be the capital of Israel.

Menachem Beigin’s Stirring Call

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During a Knesset session, representatives of all parties state their attitude and response to the question of Jerusalem. Menachem Begin states that Israel must declare Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and prevent any foreign powers to interfere with this vision. He states clearly that the people of Israel will prevent any foreign rule from “enslaving” Jerusalem again. He refers to the United Nations Assembly resolution of November 29th, 1947, which cuts Jerusalem off from Israel, to go unrecognized by Prime Minister Ben-Gurion and to be “null and void.” In addition, he states that foreign powers should have no right to determine the boundaries of Israel; rather, only the people of Israel should have that power.