Subjects: Arms Race

Choice in Policy, No Fatalism

By

An op-ed Begin wrote from the Jerusalem Post. He says that Israel must stand fast in demanding a full peace treaty and not withdrawal from any territory without a peace treaty. Israel is becoming isolated internationally and the PLO, despite having goals similar to the Nazis and carrying out murderous attacks on civilian targets, is gaining international recognition. The government is weak and not standing up for Israel’s rights. The Likud is in favor of a national unity government but the Alignment has sabotaged their efforts to form one by demanding that the Likud give up its principles first. He calls on mobilizing the American Jewish community and the pro-Israel community to lobby on behalf of Israel in America. There is a demographic problem, but if Jews come in large enough numbers from the Soviet Union it will cease to be an issue. Israel also must do more to save the Jews under threat in Syria. If Israel sticks up for its rights it will come through the current challenges.

No Tashkent Spirit in the Middle East

By

This extract of a speech Begin made in front of the Knesset focuses on the mistakes the Government as made in regards to Israeli security. Begin first criticizes Levi Eshkol for not taking seriously the threats made by Arabs. Eshkol is deluding Israelis and the world. Unlike Eshkol and Uri Avneri, Begin finds it important to publicize that Fatah is renewing guerilla war against Israel. Then Begin speaks about the Arab nations in the Middle East getting arms from Russia and the U.S. He rejects the U.S. decision to create a balance of arms in the Middle East. Begin comments upon the instability Israelis feel and concludes that reality shows that Eshkol and his Government are unfit for leading the country.

Huge Aid to the Arabs is not Satisfactory

By

Begin expresses serious concern about the safety of Israel because of the relationships between Arab nations and other countries. He compares Abba Eban to Moshe Sharett because both met with United States’ president. At first, both believed that the U.S. could have a positive influence for the advancement of peace in the region. Begin mentions that Sharett understood that his words did not benefit Israel, but rather put Israel’s safety at risk. Begin argues that Abba Eban and the current Government still does not understand the grave danger Israel faces as a result of France, the United States, and other nations providing weapons to Arab nations. Once the Arab nations are ready to destroy Israel, the Israeli Defense Forces will need to divide into three to protect its borders. However, Begin is confident that even with the odds against Israel, the Arab nations will not succeed in destroying Israel.

Herut’s Role in New Knesset

By

Begin speaks to the new Knesset focusing on his disappointments and lack of confidence in the new Government. Throughout the speech, he repeats that within the Government “‘yes’ is not ‘yes’; ‘no’ is not ‘no.'” He first discusses members’ actions in finding a loophole around the law the fifth Knesset adopted. He also discusses the actions of the new Minister of Labour, who demands Sabbath Law. This Minister demands the Ashdod Port to be closed on Shabbat, but because this could damage the national economy, he will determine if the port needs to operate on Shabbat. Ultimately, he argues that national action needs to happen and shares the actions Herut wants to take.

Israel’s German Sin

By

Begin addresses the relationship between Israel and Germany, as well as Germany’s relationship with Egypt. He first speaks of Israel taking Germany’s monetary bribe. Germans wanted to relieve themselves of guilt, so that only the National Socialists will remain guilty. Begin shares two examples of Germans in their “new” government, who played a major role in supporting the Nazis: Globke and Heusinger. He expresses frustration in the Government for not voicing their opposition towards Nazi-supporters being in Germany’s “new” government. Begin concludes with how Israel gives Germany Uzzis, uniforms, and teachers, and Germany has still not given Israel defensive weapons; Germany has, though, given Egypt German rocket scientists.