Begin discusses the need to urge Jews from all over the world to make aliyah. He covers a demographic study which turned out to be inaccurate in predicting the situation a few short years after the Six-Day War, since it didn’t account for the changes in aliyah rates. He closes by noting that aliyah is not the same as emigration, because it is often done not to achieve a better life, but to return to their Motherland.
Begin discusses American pressure to make concessions to Egypt for peace, increasing Egyptian threats, and the development of Soviet influence in the region.
In response to threats issued by President Anwar Sadat, Begin here compares the Soviet-Egyptian treaty to the Molotov-Ribbentrop treaty and urges Jewish unity. He closes by reiterating Gahal’s platform, which he terms an alternative to withdrawal from territory: direct negotiations, no prior obligations, and maintaining the situation at the time of the ceasefire until a full peace treaty is concluded.
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 rightand let it be known throughout the world: Our right is eternal.”
Begin discusses the relationship between Israel and the United States because of William Rogers and his Plan. Rogers visited Cairo and said that Egypt has done everything required for peace and when he visited Israel, he said that it was now Israel’s turn to do the same. Begin argues, though, that Anwar Sadat’s agreement to making peace with Israel would, in stages, destroy Israel. With that being said, if Israel does not agree to the concessions the U.S. demands, there could be potential U.S. economic pressure. Begin mentions a number of Ministers who say that Israel will stand firm and reject the pressure. Begin is skeptical of the Government’s strong position because a few months ago, this was not the Government’s position. Begin believes that there are other influential countries besides the U.S.; however, he hopes that the U.S. will see Egypt as “Moscow’s satellite” and will not deprive Israel of military supplies and economic assistance.
