Subjects: Greater Land of Israel

We Seek a Mandate from the Nation to Form a Government

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An interview Begin gave to Rafael Bashan of Yediot Aharonot during the negotiations for the formation of the Likud bloc. Begin asserts that there is a strong common denominator between the various parties that are trying to form this new bloc. Contrary to rumors that Begin chose the name ‘opposition alignment’ no name had as yet been chosen for the new bloc. The time of the National Unity Government is over, and a one-party government would not function better but would be worse for democracy. The government, while not being able to carry out the program, had undertaken to give back parts of Judea and Samaria. Begin believes that the public needed to see a party staying 100% committed to its principles. He is proud of his demand in 1967 that Moshe Dayan be made the Minister of Defence because the national unity government that resulted greatly helped Israeli and IDF morale in the days leading up to the Six Day War. Begin demands settlement of all of the Land of Israel.

A Tower of Babel

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Begin speaks about the contradictory opinions of leaders within the Labor Party regarding the land liberated in the Six-Day War. He first speaks about Moshe Dayan’s views, which are close to those of Gahal. Like Begin, Dayan believes that the liberated land should not be partitioned. Begin shifts to question how Dayan’s colleagues could consider partitioning the Homeland, which goes against the essence of Zionism. Begin then counters the argument that in 25 years, the Homeland will not have a Jewish majority. To conclude, Begin reiterates that the beliefs of the members of the “united” Labor Party are different and therefore, this party is deceiving the public.

More than P.M.’s Credibility is at Stake

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Begin focuses on Golda Meir’s statements of resigning from premiership. He argues that a key problem is that if she does not follow through, then she will be seen as a leader that does not follow her word. He continues that Israel’s leader losing credibility hurts Israel’s diplomacy. He shifts to argue that the United States needs to recognize that there is a partnership between Israel and the U.S. Israel is not a charity State. To support his argument, he speaks about Israel helping prevent U.S. soldiers being killed in Vietnam. However, Begin points out that Meir does not publically share this assistance. Begin also touches upon the current majority of the Government wanting to partition the Homeland. He concludes that Israel and its representatives need to remind the international community that Israel is a “free people [that] will make its own decision about its future, its security and its peace.”

1998: There Will Be a Mighting Nation in This Land

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In honor of Israel’s “silver jubilee” (25th) birthday, Begin speaks about his hopes for Israel in its next jubilee birthday, in 1998. By 1998, he hopes that majority of Jews will be in Israel, which will lead to one million people living in Jerusalem. Additionally, he believes that majority of Soviet Jews will make aliyah. Then Begin focuses on current concerns and first counter-argues the claim that it is unjust for Jews ruling over Arabs. He quotes Hussein to point out his desire to have all of Israel under his control. Also, he speaks about the secretary general from Histadrut’s public suggestion for Israel to immediately leave Shechem, Jericho, and Hebron. Begin then says that Israel needs to liberate the rest of the land for the sake of Israel’s security. Begin shifts to speak about another threat to Israel’s security: Assimilation. He concludes quoting Ezekiel’s vision of Jews inhabiting all of Israel.

President of Us All

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Begin shares his long-time perspective about the importance and respect the President of Israel deserves. For example, when Chaim Weizmann became the first President, although he and Begin had many disagreements, Begin explains that Weizmann was no longer an opponent, but “President of our State.” Begin differentiates between respect one should give to the President and Prime Minister. Begin also comments that Ze’ev Jabotinsky should have been President. Gahal believes and proposed to the Knesset that the President should have more authority, instead of being just a symbol of the country. Also, Begin touches upon the importance of discontinuing the usage of words such as “Sephardi” and “Ashkenazi.” He concludes, though, reemphasizing his original point that regardless of who the President will be, he will be the President for all of Israel.