Begin discusses the issue of the sale of the s.s. Shalom, a ship which has become a burdensome deficit, to a German company. He states that national honor is far more important than material possession but since many citizens lack this value, it is causing many to emigrate. He stresses that education about attachment to the Motherland may help the situation
An op-ed in the Jewish chronicle by Begin about the purpose of and need for an opposition in a democracy. So-called ‘one-party democracies’ are just autocracies called by a nicer name in the west for political expediency. Herut has had to do more than just oppose the government because of the unique threats and challenges Israel faces. Herut took the lead in several important policy initiatives, such as Israel’s alliance with France, the issue of Arab refugees from the War of Independence, and the issue of German scientists helping the Egyptians produce powerful and destructive weapons. It is also important for Herut to constantly seek to replace the government because otherwise it would allow Israel to become a “one-party democracy.” It is imperative that another party eventually win control of the government to allow democracy to work as it is supposed to.
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.
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.”
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.
