Begin delivers a speech in Tel Aviv in regards to opposing the Government’s decision to withdraw forces from the Sinai Peninsula. He explains Herut’s four strategic principles: (1) do not wait until the enemy is ready; (2) right makes might; (3) liberate and remain; (4) grasp the opportune moment. Begin demands the Government to retreat their retreat.
Begin addresses the Knesset in response to the Government’s decision to not withdraw from the Sinai Peninsula until Egypt made peace. He is proud and praises David Ben-Gurion and his colleagues for their decision, even though international sources think poorly of the decision. He appeals to France, England, and the United States. Begin concludes that there are still parts of the Land of Israel that need to be liberated.
Begin replies to an anonymous letter written by students, followers of Ben-Gurion and Mapai. He states that there must be no hatred between Jews and describes the Jewish philosophy that although a party, person, or idea may be popular does not mean it is correct and vice versa. He gives the example of Jabotinsky and his agenda for a Jewish state and army. Begin states that Mapai is declining as a ruling party and that the nation is beginning to recognize the right of Herut.
Begin criticizes Prime Minister Sharet sharing with Newsweek that Egypt has forfeited its right to remain in Gaza. Begin explains that if Sharet said Egyptians forfeited their right to remain in Gaza, then that means Sharet believes that Egyptians initially had a right to be in Gaza. The only reason why they no longer have that right is because of their attitude towards the Armistice agreement. Begin argues that “in order to have a right forfeited, there must originally be a right of existence” and although an occupation is a fact, it is not a right. Begin continues to argue that Egyptians invaded Eretz Israel to throw the Jews in the sea and since Sharet claims that this was their right then Sharet also claims Egypt’s right to invade the rest of Eretz Israel. Begin concludes that as the prime minister, Sharet should be protecting his citizens, whose lives are threatened by Egyptian forces occupying Gaza.
Begin discusses his frustration with the Government’s responses to a recent attack in Jerusalem. First Begin criticizes Pinchas Lavon, the Minister of Defense. He explains Lavon’s mistakes and what he could have done to prevent the surprise attack. Additionally, Begin speaks about Moshe Sharret’s leadership and how the Government is killing its own nation in a sovereign way. Then Begin shifts to address multiple opportune moments Israel could have liberated more of the Homeland and ended “senseless bloodshed.” Begin concludes by comparing Israel’s Government to the Greek character Calipides.
