Subjects: Greater Israel

A Mighty Public Has Answered the Call

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Begin begins with his opinion that it is unrealistic and unproductive to speak about general peace agreements, yet he also does not agree with the agreed upon interim agreements. Kissinger’s interim agreement plan included one year of non-belligerency if Israel retreats 50 kilometers from the border with Egypt. He believes that this agreement is “territory in exchange for non-peace,” and that when the year is over it will lead to a war that could potentially endanger civilian lives. He regards the Likud Petition as an opportunity for the public to share it’s opinion. The main point of the petition is for Israel to keep the territories of Judea and Samaria in order to protect the future of the land of Israel.

Rabin’s Policy Means War

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Begin speaks about Yitzchak Rabin’s policy leading to another war. He first explains Rabin’s mistake in no longer insisting peace treaties. Even so, the U.S. is not satisfied with Rabin’s actions. Begin explains Henry Kissinger’s involvement and then speaks about how Security Council Resolution 338 includes Security Council Resolution 242. Therefore, Begin misled Israelis and satisfied Assad when referring to Resolution 338. Begin quotes Sadat’s position about Israeli interim withdrawals. Begin speaks about Sadat’s strong relationship with Assad. He concludes that it is misleading for Rabin to claim that Arab agreement can be obtained because it will lead to a war.

Choice in Policy, No Fatalism

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An op-ed Begin wrote from the Jerusalem Post. He says that Israel must stand fast in demanding a full peace treaty and not withdrawal from any territory without a peace treaty. Israel is becoming isolated internationally and the PLO, despite having goals similar to the Nazis and carrying out murderous attacks on civilian targets, is gaining international recognition. The government is weak and not standing up for Israel’s rights. The Likud is in favor of a national unity government but the Alignment has sabotaged their efforts to form one by demanding that the Likud give up its principles first. He calls on mobilizing the American Jewish community and the pro-Israel community to lobby on behalf of Israel in America. There is a demographic problem, but if Jews come in large enough numbers from the Soviet Union it will cease to be an issue. Israel also must do more to save the Jews under threat in Syria. If Israel sticks up for its rights it will come through the current challenges.

No Need for Despair in Coming Year

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Begin speaks of his concerns about Henry Kissinger’s “Jordanian-Israeli disengagement of forces” plan. In this plan, Israel abandons land they liberated in the Six-Day War for interim agreements, not peace agreements. Begin speaks about Hussein’s actions against Israel in both the War of Independence and the Six-Day War. Begin argues that with interim agreements, Arab countries are just waiting for the right moment to attack Israel, again. Begin shifts to further criticize Kissinger’s plan. Begin explains that Israel will not be secure with a UN force located at the 1967 border lines. He concludes that it is important to have “positive national stubbornness in the face of pressures and threats.”

The Only Way to True Peace

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In the Rosh Hashanah edition, Begin writes about his method to achieve true peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors. After the Six-Day War, in 1970, the Government addressed relations with its neighbors according to four principles, a key one being that retreat would not happen before true peace agreements. Since then, however, the Government’s principles have faded, and there has been retreat from land before peace progress. Begin speaks about the Yom Kippur War and threats from Arab neighbors. One threat is that even total retreat by Israel will not bring peace. An additional threat is that after Israel retreats, Israel will need to restore Palestinian rights. Begin argues that Israel must go back to its original principles. He continues to say that if Israel hands over territory prior to peace agreements, Israel will receive war. He concludes that he wants security and peace for Israel, which Israel’s neighbors have yet to offer.