Begin speaks about the increasing support of Herut, which is scaring David Ben-Gurion. Through multiple examples, Begin shows how powerful the truth is. He speaks about the changed perspective of internationals and locals regarding the days of the Underground and Herut’s political stances. Begin describes Ben-Gurion’s government as a long-lived regime and that it is time for the establishment of a national government.
A press release by Begin as head of the Opposition party, Tenuat Haherut, after the assassination of a UN representative by radical Zionists in Jerusalem. Tenuat Haherut does not participate in the unelected government of the new state but still feels responsible for the well-being and future of the state and therefore must comment on recent events. Britain bears indirect responsibility for the assassination by discrediting the UN as an international organization. The Provisional Government of Israel also bears indirect responsibility for the assassination because it acts cowardly towards the world but tyrannical towards Jews within its borders, both of which are causing the rise of a new underground. Tenuat Haherut is against the killing and the rise of a new underground, and calls on all Jews in Israel to unite against their enemies and for the world to treat Israel justly.
In the interview, Begin discusses Etzel’s perspective regarding the State’s present situation and his policies to secure Israel’s future. It is first mentioned that Etzel is transitioning from a military to a political organization. Etzel plans to use ballots, not bullets, to gain political power. Begin includes that Etzel members know that arms should only be used for external enemies, despite of the Altalena situation. He argues that Israel’s existence is at stake with the current boundaries. Politically, Begin says that the Etzel will continue to insist the borders of Israel to be its historical boundaries. Etzel believes in reciprocity, and therefore, Britain is still an enemy of Israel. Additionally, Etzel wants to cooperate with nations that believe in Israel’s freedom and sovereignty. Regarding national policy, Etzel is willing to work with the Stern Group and any group that cooperates with Etzel’s “territorial and immigration aspirations.”
This article is a verbatim report of the address given by Menachem Begin over the broadcasting station, “The Voice of Freedom,” on Tuesday, June 22nd. He speaks about the details of the “Altalena,” the ship which was organized to bring an abundance of military supply to Israel. He takes his listeners on a journey of “Altalena” from describing the dedication and passion these young men and women invested into this project, to the difficulties it confronted by the government, to the tragic burning of the ship.
