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Of palestinism and pragmatism

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An article by Begin about the dangers posed to Israel by ‘Palestinianism,’ the belief that there should be a Palestinian state in Judea and Samaria. First begin takes apart the idea of giving the land to King Hussein of Jordan, as King Hussein refuses to even mediate on the matter and instead has given all negotiating authority to the PLO. He also insists on a complete withdrawal to the pre-Six Day War lines and references the borders of the 1947 partition resolution, implying that he will want a further withdrawal to those borders at a later date. Some say that they can accept a Palestinian state as long as Arafat is not in power, and Begin points out how there is no way to keep Arafat from assuming power in a sovereign Palestinian state that would almost certainly invite him to lead, putting Israel and its citizens in mortal danger. Because there is no way to stop Arafat from taking over a Palestinian state there is nothing pragmatic about wanting to create such a state.

A Blow for Democracy

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Begin focuses on Yitzchak Rabin’s undemocratic stand that the chairman of the Jewish Agency (the Zionist Organization) must be part of the Labor Party. Party membership is the important factor, not valuable qualifications and experience. Begin gives examples showing that this has not happened in other democratic countries. Begin talks about Labor Party spokesmen’s reactions when a candidate for the Chairman of the Jewish Agency chose to not enter his candidacy in the name of a political party. They identified him as being part of Likud and said they would do their best to prevent his election. Begin argues that by having party membership be the important factor for the position as chairman is “a blow against democracy in Israel.”

Time is in Israel’s Favour

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Begin talks about the pressure the United States attempts to put on Israel, claiming that there is limited time left for the Rogers Plan. Begin focuses how it is important for Israel not to rush because time is actually on Israel’s side. He talks about how time worked against Jews during the Holocaust. Also, if Jews did not take time into their own hands, the Partition Plan would have been seen through. He mentions the U.S.’s insecurity regarding the Communist powers, China and Russia. Additionally, Begin mentions that time accelerated the creation of the most sophisticated weapons, which benefits Israel’s security. Just like weapons, time will also help, not hurt, Israel’s security. He argues that time will show Israel’s enemies that they do not have any chance of destroying Israel. Therefore, Israel should not give into the U.S.’s pressure claiming that there is limited time left to guarantee Israel’s security.

The Historic Greatness of Zionism

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Begin responds to the UN resolution condemning Zionism as racism. Begin first talks about how Arab States hide their hatred of Jews by claiming that they are not anti-Semitic, because they themselves are Semitic. He compares Sadat’s propaganda to propaganda Nazis used. He continues to show that Sadat is not moderate or peace-oriented. Begin then talks about Zionism. He argues that Zionism is at the core of Judaism because it is the idea of returning to the nation’s Motherland. He hopes that in addition for there being a Jewish majority in Israel, there will also be the majority of Jews in Israel. He argues that “Zionism is the fruit of love” to oppose Sadat’s claim that “Zionism brought hatred and destruction to the Middle East.” He talks about the Jewish history of destruction. Additionally, he makes the distinction that Jews did not liberate Israel from Arabs, but from the British. It was the British, not Jews, who were the foreign regime prior to Statehood.

U.N. Debates the Palestinian Lie

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Begin focuses on which views are considered progressive and reactionary when talking about Arabs of Israel/Palestinians. He discusses how there are people who think that they are progressive for recognizing the Palestinian entity. This includes Jews and American professors. Begin believes, though, that their thoughts are hypocritical. He goes into detail about what this Palestinian entity does and what it means for the Israel. This entity, he argues, believes in using the right to fight by all means, including targeting women and children. Ultimately, it jeopardizes Israel’s future. Begin shifts to respond to the argument that not supporting the Palestinian entity means that he supports Israel ruling over Arabs. The argument continues saying that ruling over Arabs is a cancer for Israel. Begin remarks that he does not believe in ruling over Arabs, but rather living with them “in mutual tolerance.”