Subjects: Fundamentals of Israeli Security

Herut’s Role in New Knesset

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Begin speaks to the new Knesset focusing on his disappointments and lack of confidence in the new Government. Throughout the speech, he repeats that within the Government “‘yes’ is not ‘yes’; ‘no’ is not ‘no.'” He first discusses members’ actions in finding a loophole around the law the fifth Knesset adopted. He also discusses the actions of the new Minister of Labour, who demands Sabbath Law. This Minister demands the Ashdod Port to be closed on Shabbat, but because this could damage the national economy, he will determine if the port needs to operate on Shabbat. Ultimately, he argues that national action needs to happen and shares the actions Herut wants to take.

The Syrians Must Know They Will Be Punished

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After the revelation that Israelis were tortured in Syria, Begin calls on the government to respond with a bill promising to bring the torturers to justice. He begins with a history of torture in ancient Greece and Rome and the Catholic Church, then moves on to the present circumstances to call for the Knesset to stand firm in support of the captured Israelis.

The German Scientists – A Call for Action

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Begin criticizes the Israeli government for not acting to deal with the growing threat of German scientists building missiles for the Egyptians. He cites this inaction as emboldening Germany to take greater steps in helping Egypt, which Begin says will destroy Israel if not checked.

Nothing Takes Precedence Over the State’s Security and Honour

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Begin addresses the Knesset, explaining that the motion of no confidence in the Government is a result of the Dayan-Lavon affair. He first speaks of the importance of ethics of security and it is for that reason the Opposition did not attack the Government during the most recent elections. He discusses the danger the country now faces with foreign secret service. Begin argues that he knew the lies related to the Lavon affair would break out. However, he questions why Moshe Dayan chose to wait until now. Begin counter-argues the justification that Dayan’s actions were done out of anger. Then Begin shifts into his reasoning for vote in no confidence and concludes that there are two alternatives: either Dayan or the Government will resign.

The Real Danger Facing Israel

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Begin writes about the threat Egypt poses on Israel’s security because of its development of weapons of mass destruction, with the assistance of German scientists. Begin first speaks about how these German scientists assist Nasser. Additionally, if Germany passes a law against German scientists in Egypt, it will not apply to those already there. Begin reassures his readers, though, by explaining that Israel will win in a battle against Egypt, even if Egypt is supported by a United Arab front. However, he does express concern about Israel only having conventional weapons to counter non-conventional weapons. He shifts to speak about how the Israeli Government has not acted against Germany and its scientists assisting Egypt. Begin concludes that the Government’s lack of action may lead to Herut demanding immediate elections, and not wait two more years.