Subjects: Fundamentals of Israeli Security

Begin on future of Herut Party

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A speech by Begin to a Betar conference in South Africa in 1953. Begin is proud of the delegates to the conference for their allegiance and dedication. He says that Herut must not give up on the goal of a constitution for Israel, even if the idea is unpopular, because it is a necessity. Begin rejects the usage of the terms ‘left’ and ‘right’ as applied to political parties, as they were developed arbitrarily. He argues that Herut will defend the middle class from Mapai’s attempts to destroy it. Herut must be a party for all Jews in Israel. Herut supports the supremacy of the law and the independence of the judiciary. Herut is against the concept of civil marriages because it would lead to two different societies in Israel. The road for Betar and Herut may be long and hard, but their members should remember that Jabotinsky did not live to see the creation of the State of Israel either. They may yet achieve their goals despite their hardships.

Statement at a Press Conference 19.09.1948

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A press release by Begin as head of the Opposition party, Tenuat Haherut, after the assassination of a UN representative by radical Zionists in Jerusalem. Tenuat Haherut does not participate in the unelected government of the new state but still feels responsible for the well-being and future of the state and therefore must comment on recent events. Britain bears indirect responsibility for the assassination by discrediting the UN as an international organization. The Provisional Government of Israel also bears indirect responsibility for the assassination because it acts cowardly towards the world but tyrannical towards Jews within its borders, both of which are causing the rise of a new underground. Tenuat Haherut is against the killing and the rise of a new underground, and calls on all Jews in Israel to unite against their enemies and for the world to treat Israel justly.

Israel Must Advance Eastwards— Or Be Pushed Into The Sea

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Begin expands on the idea that although the majority of people before 1948 were saying that it would be impossible to force the British out, the minority of people who believed it to be true made it reality. He relates this idea to the continuance of conquest. He states that although the British have left, the conquest must not stop there. People must realize that the conquest must continue in order to expand Israel’s borders eastwards; otherwise, “we shall be pushed into the sea.”

Interview with Menachem Begin

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An interview with Prime Minister Begin that covers the bombing of the Osirak nuclear reactor, the continued relevance of Tomas Masaryk’s words about the difficulty of maintaining a state, and the role religion plays in his life and the state.

Peace Process with Egypt – Meet the Press

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Prime Minister Begin answers questions from members of the American media on “NBC” on topics related to the peace process with Egypt, including promised arms sales to Arab states, the future of negotiations with Egypt, and the future of the Palestinian Arabs.