Subjects: Achdut Ha'avoda

The Only Way to True Peace

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In the Rosh Hashanah edition, Begin writes about his method to achieve true peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors. After the Six-Day War, in 1970, the Government addressed relations with its neighbors according to four principles, a key one being that retreat would not happen before true peace agreements. Since then, however, the Government’s principles have faded, and there has been retreat from land before peace progress. Begin speaks about the Yom Kippur War and threats from Arab neighbors. One threat is that even total retreat by Israel will not bring peace. An additional threat is that after Israel retreats, Israel will need to restore Palestinian rights. Begin argues that Israel must go back to its original principles. He continues to say that if Israel hands over territory prior to peace agreements, Israel will receive war. He concludes that he wants security and peace for Israel, which Israel’s neighbors have yet to offer.

A New Gahal

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With elections approaching, Begin speaks about Gahal being the true opposition of the Government. He argues that despite what the Independent Liberals claim, they are not the leading opposition party. He also speaks of positive prospects for the election results, with Gahal gaining more representation in the next Knesset. The then shares different reasons as to why citizens will vote in support of Gahal. He emphasizes that Gahal believes in Greater Israel, with no partition of the Homeland. He also speaks about today’s privilege of no longer living in sacfrifice and suffering. He concludes that Gahal is the party that will do the best in handling future difficulties the country may face.

A Tower of Babel

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Begin speaks about the contradictory opinions of leaders within the Labor Party regarding the land liberated in the Six-Day War. He first speaks about Moshe Dayan’s views, which are close to those of Gahal. Like Begin, Dayan believes that the liberated land should not be partitioned. Begin shifts to question how Dayan’s colleagues could consider partitioning the Homeland, which goes against the essence of Zionism. Begin then counters the argument that in 25 years, the Homeland will not have a Jewish majority. To conclude, Begin reiterates that the beliefs of the members of the “united” Labor Party are different and therefore, this party is deceiving the public.

More than P.M.’s Credibility is at Stake

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Begin focuses on Golda Meir’s statements of resigning from premiership. He argues that a key problem is that if she does not follow through, then she will be seen as a leader that does not follow her word. He continues that Israel’s leader losing credibility hurts Israel’s diplomacy. He shifts to argue that the United States needs to recognize that there is a partnership between Israel and the U.S. Israel is not a charity State. To support his argument, he speaks about Israel helping prevent U.S. soldiers being killed in Vietnam. However, Begin points out that Meir does not publically share this assistance. Begin also touches upon the current majority of the Government wanting to partition the Homeland. He concludes that Israel and its representatives need to remind the international community that Israel is a “free people [that] will make its own decision about its future, its security and its peace.”

President of Us All

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Begin shares his long-time perspective about the importance and respect the President of Israel deserves. For example, when Chaim Weizmann became the first President, although he and Begin had many disagreements, Begin explains that Weizmann was no longer an opponent, but “President of our State.” Begin differentiates between respect one should give to the President and Prime Minister. Begin also comments that Ze’ev Jabotinsky should have been President. Gahal believes and proposed to the Knesset that the President should have more authority, instead of being just a symbol of the country. Also, Begin touches upon the importance of discontinuing the usage of words such as “Sephardi” and “Ashkenazi.” He concludes, though, reemphasizing his original point that regardless of who the President will be, he will be the President for all of Israel.