Subjects: Fundamentals of Israeli Security

We Believe in Israel’s Future

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Begin outlines a few of the issues facing Israel during this time of crisis. Included in these issues are the assimilation of the present generation in Israel, the economic issue which has been bringing the state farther from economic independence, the contraction of towns that were once developing, unemployment, and the high rise in emigration and drop in aliyah (immigration). After enumerating these issues, Begin suggests a few ways to improve the situation. This includes proclaiming the right of the Jewish nation to Greater Israel, announcing to the world that no atomic arms should be given into German hands, providing citizens with employment and insurance in the case of unemployment, and overall, reawakening the nation with a new spirit.

No Tashkent Spirit in the Middle East

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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.

No Less Than the West… Israel Has Every Right to Develop A-Power

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Begin focuses on why Israel should have atomic power. Even having one bomb is on a different level than other “conventional” weapons. There is a fear that other nations with atomic powers would use “small” atomic bombs in a war, along with the “conventional” weapons. Begin focuses on Israel becoming closer to manufacturing atomic weapons. Begin argues that there is a huge ratio difference between forces of Israel’s enemy and Israel. Therefore, the purpose of having atomic power is to make sure enemies won’t destroy Israel. He says that Israelis are living in perpetual distress, which is not why Israel was established. Strengthening Israel’s security will allow the Government to reclaim the slogans of “aliyah, economic independence, work, purity of actions, settlement, peace.”

Huge Aid to the Arabs is not Satisfactory

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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.

We Must Act to Avert it in Time

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Begin writes about Ben Gurion’s continuous attacks on Prime Minister Levi Eshkol. Ben Gurion claimed that “Mr. Eshkol cannot conduct the affairs of the State and its security.” Some are frustrated with Ben Gurion’s behavior and believe that the new Government should not be attacked and criticized. Begin, however, believes that the Opposition not only has a right, it also has a democratic duty to oppose the Government’s decisions. Then Begin mentions that the Knesset can formulate a new Government if they do not have confidence in the current Government. In order for the Knesset to do this, there needs to be cooperation between the Opposition groups, meaning Gahal and Rafi. Begin, however, mentions that he does not think that Rafi members are genuine in their public affirmations that Rafi and Gahal could cooperate. Furthermore, Begin strongly states that Gahal does not want to cooperate with any party who thinks that Gahal is evil and sins.