Subjects: Diplomacy

The People Will Decide if Mapai is Fit to Rule

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Begin addresses the Knesset and focuses on Israel-Germany relationship. He first accuses the majority of the Knesset of acting undemocratically by accepting the proposal to not oblige Germany to provide Israel with arms. He also speaks about his concern of German scientists in Egypt, and the relationship between Western Germany and Egypt. Then Begin strongly expresses frustration in Knesset members supporting diplomatic relations with Germany. The crux of his argument is “If we are given the alternative: The State of Israel without peace with the Arabs, or peace with the Arabs without the State of Israel, we would choose the State without peace. Experience has taught us that lack of peace is painful and an anxiety. Lack of a State is a catastrophe.” Begin concludes that the people will decide who will rule Israel, and that it is clear that Mapai is not fit for that position.

Bourguiba’s ‘Peaceplan’ is Aimed to Liquidate Israel

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Begin first shares both Nasser’s and Habib Bourguiba’s strategies for destroying Israel. Nasser’s plan is with rocket missiles and Bourguiba’s plan is through a disguised “peaceplan.” , Begin explains that Bourguiba takes an anti-war stance because he does not think Arabs are strong enough to win a war against Israel, therefore, his strategy is to make Israel vulnerable in stages. Begin shares that Nasser strongly opposed Bourguiba’s “peaceplan.” Additionally, Nasser protested against the proposal for improved relations between Israel and Germany. Then Begin argues that the Government is dangerously partaking in “automatic thinking” in which if Nasser, an enemy of Israel, disagrees with something, then it must be good for Israel. Begin argues that the Government’s thought process is especially hazardous because the world is listening to Israel’s reactions. He concludes that Israel is enslaved mentally, and the country must redeem itself.

No Fraternisation with the Germans in Our Generation

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Begin discusses the effects of the Holocaust on German society and Germany’s relationship with Israel. He goes into particular depth about the current members of the German government who used to be members of the Nazi Party.

Begin Urges Eshkol – Face the Facts

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Begin replies to Levi Eshkol’s remarks made during the foreign affairs debate in the Knesset. First Begin explains that during the debate, Eshkol defended his own comment regarding what Khrushchev said in Egypt. Then Begin explains how Eshkol erred and what will be the repercussions for Israel. Begin shifts to address another mistake Eshkol made. His mistake was not speaking to the U.S. about the activity of German scientists in Egypt. Begin shares that these scientists are a threat to Israel’s existence. In addition to Israel-U.S. relationship, he touches upon the Israel-France relationship. Begin concludes that it is crucial for Israel to change Russia’s current hostility towards Israel.

The German Threat to Israel

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Begin addresses the Knesset focusing on the different threats Israel is facing. He also expresses frustration towards Levi Eshkol for downplaying these threats while he was in the United States as a guest of the President. For example, regarding the Russia-Egypt relationship, Eshkol referred to Nikita Khrushchev’s statements as somewhat moderate, while Begin argues that they are extremely anti-Semitic. Begin touches upon what was said at the African summit conference and shifts to focus on Germany. Begin argues that Eshkol did not cease the opportunity to encourage world opinion to use its influence to put an end to German scientists assisting in Egypt. Begin affirms that regardless of the intention of Israel’s enemies, Israel will not be destroyed. Begin’s concern is that a war will lead to spilt Jewish blood. Begin concludes with speaking positively about the Israel-France relationship, and believes that France should not just be a friend of Israel, but also an ally.