We Can Stand and Must Stand Firm

Begin speaks about the difficult peace process with Egypt and the U.S.'s involvement. Begin first reminds the readers that after the Six-Day War, Israel insisted on direct negotiations with its neighbors for peace treaties. Without peace treaties, Israel is not willing to retreat. Then Begin explains that Yitzchak Rabin continuously makes concessions to Egypt without a peace treaty. Begin further explains that the U.S. is encouraging Israel to do as Egypt says. Begin explains that more concessions threaten Israel's security because Egypt would disregard any promises made to the U.S. in order to support Syria in a war against Israel. To describe the situation Israel is in, Begin says, "We are required to surrender to our enemies—at the request of our friends." He explains how the Israel-U.S. relationship is not merely the U.S. giving charity to Israel. He concludes that Israel must not surrender.