Subjects: Army

The Broadcast That Stirred All Israel

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Prior to the arrival of Begin in South Africa, the Jewish Herald published Begin’s broadcast to Israel on the first night of Israel’s existence. In this broadcast, Begin first reflects on successful, yet difficult, Hebrew revolt. Begin mentions the importance for the Jewish army to have weapons and spiritual armor. He discusses the importance of diplomacy with all nations that will recognize Israel’s existence and specifically speaks about the U.S., Soviet Union, and France. He shifts to speak the necessity of encouraging aliyah. Additionally, justice should be a fundamental principle for the State. Begin announces that there is no longer a need for the Underground within the borders of the independent state. He then expresses that the nation is in the middle of a battle and that they will succeed. He concludes by praying for the Hebrew soldiers.

A Free People–Or a Police State

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Begin speaks to the Knesset, expressing concern that the Government has not proceeded to formulate a constitution for Israel. He starts with an example to show that without a constitution, the Government can follow laws from the British Mandate. Then Begin explains that currently Israelis do not have privacy, and that their right to privacy will be secure only with a constitution. Additionally, Begin explains that, currently, one is discriminated against if that person is not aligned with Mapai’s views. The mistrust the Government has for its citizens will lead Israel to become a police State. To prevent this, a constitution is necessary. Begin identifies that the people opposing a constitution, also were the people willing to give up part of Eretz Israel. Begin concludes with two options to move forward: the Government begins drafting a constitution, or the Government arranges a plebiscite.

Speech at Knesset 9.11.49

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A speech Begin gave at the Knesset in 1949. The Government has been acting very undemocratically in preventing discussion on the writing of a constitution for the new State of Israel. The budget and the deficit of the new State are enormous, putting the economy at risk. Unfortunately there is little concrete investment in Israel and the charity of the Diaspora Jewish communities is not enough. Herut warned of the need to rescue the Jews in Arab countries from anti-Jewish violence and was ignored, and now that the government is finally responding to the problem it may be too late. The Arabs and other nations are making territorial claims against Israel, and Israel should make territorial claims in response, for all of Eretz Israel should be part of Israel by right. The government should resign in light of the above offences and mistakes. The Herut proposes a law for Jerusalem as the eternal and undivided capital of Israel.

Irgun Head Scores Benadotte Plan

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An interview Begin gave to the New York Times in 1948 about the Bernadotte Plan. The British are still the greatest enemies of the young State of Israel. They are using the United Nations to enact their plan to partition Eretz Israel and leave the Jews in a ghetto. The British are also helping the invading Arab armies. Begin says that invasion cannot be rewarded in any part of the workd lest it be rewarded everywhere. The Arab countries have learned that they cannot defeat Israel militarily, for in modern warfare the Jews possess the advantage of will and brainpower that are more important than mere numbers. However, the Arab countries are beginning to take revenge on the Jews who live in them. The international community needs to set up a league to help these Jews. The Herut Party will use political means to fight against partition.

Ze’ev Jabotinsky

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To honor Ze’ev Jabotinsky’s death, Begin shares how Israel exists because of Jabotinsky’s philosophies. He first shares Jabotinsky’s clear aim for a free and noble State. Then Begin explains that although it now seems like an obvious and a simple aim, leaders such as Weizmann and Ben Gurion initially expressed opposition. Additionally, once again against other founding Zionists, Jabotinsky expressed the importance of warfare, sacrifice, and love for Israel. Begin then talks about after Jews suffered without weapons, Etzel arose. Begin shifts to talk about Jabotinsky’s remains still in exile. In the conclusion, Begin confirms that Jabotinsky’s efforts have been rewarded. He shares that Jabotinsky’s students have followed Jabotinsky’s dreams and doctrines. Jabotinsky is in the heart of the nation and lives in his students, and therefore, Jabotinsky is immortal.