Subjects: Diplomacy

We Could Abstain

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Begin addresses what attitude Israel should hold towards South Africa. He first speaks about the end of the colonialism era and its complications. Begin then shares his encounter with apartheid during his visit to South Africa. He believes that there is nothing uglier than human degradation. Begin reminds its readers that nations from the East and the West are protesting against this degradation, however, when Jews were persecuted, they were silent. Begin then criticizes Ben Gurion for expressing his support in South Africa’s Opposition party. He then shares the repercussions for Ben Gurion’s actions, a main one being the loss of foreign relations and interests, which is dangerous while existing in a world where Israel has many enemies and few friends. Begin concludes by mentioning that in a recent UN vote, Israel’s delegation should have abstained.

Honour, Liberty, Security

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In his Rosh Hashanah message, Begin writes that it is crucial for Israel to fight so the nation can live with honor. He first describes how the world is divided in multiple political spheres and identifies that Herut believes Israel must aspire to be in the Sphere of Freedom. He then argues that the Government must reject mediation by the U.S. between Israel and its neighboring countries because it will not end in Israel’s favor. Then Begin speaks about Nasser’s hopes for Israel’s destruction. Begin shifts to share his disagreement of a statement made by a Cabinet member, in which the Cabinet member argues that Israel might become a second Warsaw ghetto if Ben Gurion is not in charge. Begin concludes that the country belongs to its citizenry and that they do not have to fear for what the future will hold.

Begin Criticizes Unrealistic Peace Offer to Nasser

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A summation of a speech Begin gave at the Knesset about Nasser’s intentions toward Israel and the government’s reading of his intentions. The government is sending conflicting messages about Nasser, sometimes saying that he is an Egyptian Hitler and sometimes saying that he could be a possible peace partner. It is the duty of Foreign Minister Golda Meir to expose Nasser at the UN. At the UN Nasser demanded that Israel go back to the situation that existed before 1917, meaning the destruction of Israel and the removal or extermination for the vast majority of its Jews. Nasser then demanded that both Israel and Jordan be incorporated into a larger pan-Arab republic. Israel has a duty to tell its citizens the truth about the situation in the Middle East and how conditions are changing.

The Honour of a Nation

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Begin argues that “Israel must learn that a nation that surrenders its honor will lose more than honor.” He first gives an example of Poland holding onto its honor against Russia in a joint Russian-Polish announcement. Begin continues to provide examples of Israel’s unstable relationship with both Russia and Turkey. In both instances, Russia and Turkey recalled their ambassadors from Israel and Israel chose to not recall theirs from Russia and Turkey. It is crucial for Israel to recall their ambassadors from countries that recall theirs from Israel.

Stop the Retreat!

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Begin expresses his opposition in the Government’s decision to withdraw forces from the Sinai Peninsula. He explains the mistakes and hypocritical actions of the Government. He argues that panic is the worst advisor for a military struggle. Begin concludes that despite international pressure, the Government must retreat from its retreat.