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They Misled the Nation

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Begin explains the happenings with the potential interim agreement with Egypt. Israel was frequently told that if they retreat from land, there would be three years of quiet with Egypt. However, Begin explains that the latter part of the agreement is not taken seriously by Egypt or the United States. Additionally, Ismail Fahmi argued that if Israel does not retreat, it will be a sign of aggression and therefore, Egypt will have a right to defend itself. Furthermore, it was confirmed that any agreement would be annulled if Israel attacks Syria. Even though there is tension between Egypt and Syria, they will join forces against Israel. Although Anwar Sadat has said that he does not want to destroy Israel, his demands for Israel returning to the 1967 lines and “restoring the legitimate rights of the Palestinians” would do just that. Based on the interim agreements process, Begin envisions “important battles for the security of the nation and its future in Eretz Israel.”

The Voice of the People Will be Heard

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Begin disagrees with the Government’s actions regarding interim agreements with Egypt. As soon as the Government receives pressure and threats they give in. Kissinger says Israel is stubborn and that the “stalemate is intolerable and jeopardizes world peace.” Begin argues that the U.S. is threatening Israel with an oil embargo if it does not retreat from Abu Rodeis and the Gidi and Mitla passes. Additionally, Egypt does not show any signs for wanting peace with Israel. Even under these circumstances, Begin believes that the Government should stay strong and not react. By reacting, it will encourage more pressure and threats Begin also talks about the Israeli demonstrations against the Government’s actions. Begin believes that such demonstrations show that Israel is a true democracy.

Israel’s Right to National Security

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Begin does not focus on Israel’s right to exist, but rather Israelis’ existence as a right. He believes that Israel’s existence is a right and it is Israel’s responsibility for its existence. For example, during the Six-Day War, Israel wanted assistance from U.S., but did not want the U.S. to be responsible for the existence of Israel. Begin shifts to talk about the common threat of communism and how this provides partnership opportunities for Israel with other countries. Towards the end he talks about the danger of using the term “Palestinians.” Therefore, for Israel’s safety, the term “Israeli Arabs” should be used. He closes with saying a ceasefire and direct negotiations for peace treaties will allow Jews and Arabs to live freely together in Israel.

The Alternative to Surrender

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Begin disagrees with the Israeli Government’s policy for moving the Sinai Peninsula frontline eastwards. He is frustrated with the U.S. pressuring Israel to believe that Anwar Sadat wants coexistence with Israel. Egypt only wants to have interim agreements with Israel and if Israel rejects the interim agreements, Egypt threatens to go to war with Israel. Even with this knowledge, the Government agrees to hand over “sources of fuel and the defensive Sinai passes.” Begin then shifts to talking about the U.S. involvement, specifically talking about Henry Kissinger. Begin believes that relations between Israel and the U.S. should not be based on U.S. ensuring the existence of Israel. Instead, the relationship should be based on true, mutual interests. In his conclusion, he says that the Israeli Government’s action has “shattered their credibility” and is inviting more pressure and threats from Egypt and the U.S.

Surrender Engenders Further Surrender

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Begin speaks about how it is dangerous for Israel to continuously retreat without peace agreements. He first speaks about the Mitla and Giddi Passes and the Abu Rodeis oilfields. Originally, Israel recognized that these were important and therefore, could not be surrendered. However, Yitzchak Rabin declared on American television that Israel would hand over these areas for an interim agreement with Egypt. Begin also shares Egypt’s attitude and how Henry Kissinger encourages Israel to accept this attitude. Begin argues that the Government accepting such attitude is an act of surrender. Furthermore, retreating from the passes and oilfields discredits Israel’s ability to stick to its word. He speaks more about Kissinger and how Kissinger threatens and pressures Israel. Begin concludes that Israel cannot follow Kissinger’s delusions because Israel’s security is at serious risk.