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No Basis for Despair

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Despite Israel’s serious political and economic position, Begin assures the public that there is no cause for pessimism or despair. He blames the leadership of the Labor Alignment for the current crisis. Likud’s philosophy, Begin explains, aims to achieve peace by making it clear to Israel’s neighbors that “they have no possibility of destroying the State of Israel.” Begin gives an example of honest leadership from the Tanach, about the spies that Moses sent, one from each of the twelve tribes, to the land of Canaan. Upon returning, they reported a land flowing with milk and honey, but the inhabitants were strong, and the cities large and fortified. One of the spies, Caleb, said “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.” Begin uses this example of bravery and leadership in facing the challenges that lie ahead for Israel, but reminding the public that Israel is a strong nation that is capable of overcoming any obstacle in its way.

Jerusalem is Not Phnom-Penh

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Begin very clearly outlines the goals of Israel as: “peace treaty, declaration on the establishment of peaceful relations, ceasefire, armistice, non-belligerence, and a state of war and its annulment.” Begin accuses Dr. Kissinger of trying to deprive Israel of what it needs, a peace treaty. He says that without a peace treaty, there can be no transference of territory, except, according to Kissinger, in Israel. Likud urges the Prime Minister to not retreat until Egypt has annulated the state of war, meaning no withdrawal from the land without a peace treaty. He says that if Israel were to comply with Egypt’s demands and retreat, Israel would be in the same position as the war-torn Vietnamese city Phnom-Penh, “within the range of the enemy’s guns.” Even America, he says, cannot help alleviate the situation there because of the gunfire of the Khmer Rouge forces. He says, “They are what our enemies wish for us,” as he urges the public to stand tall, not to retreat, and defend Israel.

8 Points for Peace

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In the Passover Edition of the Jewish Herald, Begin states 8 points Herut has proposed in order to establish peace in the Middle East. He then addresses neighboring Arab countries. Begin stresses to them that each time they attempted to destroy Israel, they destroyed themselves. He continues to say that Israel is getting stronger because the fighting Jew has emerged and is “prepared to fight for liberty.” Begin argues that although that the fighting Jew can destroy Arabs, the fighting Jew wants to make peace. Additionally, Begin says that history that continuing with war is pointless. He reiterates, though, that Israel’s forces are alert and ready. He then counters the argument that Herut views are extremist and concludes that making great land concessions and negotiating with Arafat representatives are in fact extremist.

Begin Gives His Support to Rabin

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In an exclusive interview for the Jewish Herald, Begin expresses his support for Rabin’s decision to completely reject Anwar Sadat’s proposals. He acknowledges that the Opposition will stand behind the Government if the Government continues rejecting the idea of withdrawal without termination of state of war. To conclude he emphasizes that no nation withdrew from a defensive position prior to its enemy declaring an end to the state of war and therefore, Israel should not be the exception.

No, Dr. Kissinger!

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Begin emphasizes the importance of not retreating to the 1967 borders. Israel was offered an end to belligerency in exchange for the retreat, however Begin is unimpressed. To explain the situation in a way that is more understandable for an American audience, he compares it to the hypothetical situation America would find itself in if Russia offered eternal peace if they allowed them to occupy Washington and destroy the US nuclear stockpile and missiles. Begin finds Dr. Kissinger’s plan reminiscent of the Rogers Plan, which he rejected. He describes Dr. Kissinger’s plan as a “step-by-step approach to the plan of our total disintegration.” He argues that this disintegration of Israel will also have negative effects on America because it is possible that the Arabs will force the US to exert pressure on Israel, and if they do and Israel surrenders as a result, “there will be no bounds to Arab blackmail, which will be supported by Russia.”