Subjects: Government

Russia Now Backs War in Middle East

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Begin speaks about the blossoming relationship between Russia and Egypt. He first explains that it is in fact the Labor Movement, not the “Nationalistic-Religious Right,” who prefers territory over peace. He shares what Golda Meir, Yigal Allon, and Moshe Dayan have said to show that even his opponents in the Government recognize the need to make some territorial demands for a viable peace. He also discusses how Israel’s enemies speak about Israel. Despite Sadat’s disinterest in peace with Israel, “the Government had helped to increase Sadat’s prestige internationally.” Begin concludes by reiterating that it is shameful to assume that the Opposition prefers land over peace.

Begin on the Justice of Zionism

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A speech Begin gave in America in 1972. The world wants to forget, but Israel and the Jews will not forget how the Arab armies massed on Israel’s borders with the declared intention of destroying the Jewish State. Thankfully Israel was wise enough to launch a preemptive strike and come out of the war with relatively few casualties and more territory. There are those who say Israel should give back virtually all of the land, but doing so would put Israel’s population centers in the range of the rockets and artillery of the enemy. The PLO and similar organizations attempt to carry out a genocide of Jews, as evidenced by their attacks on civilians and by their own statements. But Jews should never be afraid any more. Israel spends nearly a third of its GNP on defense, and so needs the aid of American Jewry. With their help, Israel and world Jewry will be preserved for eternity.

Israel Faces Tough Time at UN Session

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Begin discusses American pressure to make concessions to Egypt for peace, increasing Egyptian threats, and the development of Soviet influence in the region.

Rogers Plan Will Not Bring Peace

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This article summarizes and quotes Begin’s address to the Knesset after Golda Meir announces Gahal’s resignation from the Cabinet. The reason for Gahal returning to be the Opposition party is because of the Cabinet’s decision to consider withdrawing without peace agreements. He shares how Gunnar Jarring’s letter of appointment was not constructed with the help of Israel. He also shares that he believes that there was and is an alternative to signing such document. Begin argues that by signing the document, it will not bring peace but rather prolong bloodshed. He concludes that Israel “returned to Jerusalem not by right of victory but by the victory of right—and let it be known throughout the world: Our right is eternal.”

Don’t be in a Hurry Mr. Sisco

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Begin opposes an idea raised at a luncheon attended by Americans and Israelis. The idea, raised by American diplomats, was that Russia’s involvement had to do with the Israel-Arab conflict, and therefore, Israel was indirectly responsible for Russia’s actions. Begin points out that Israel is actually preventing Russia from gaining control of the Suez Canal. He argues that just how the Vietnam War cannot end quickly, the opening of the Suez Canal also needs to be a slow process. Therefore, he asks for the United States to slow down the talks about opening the Suez Canal. Begin states that Sadat does not actually want peace and based on his two terms for pace, he actually wants to liquidate Israel. In his conclusion, he talks about violence happening between Arabs and makes the argument that if they are ruthlessly fighting each other, it does not make sense for Israel to trust them.