Begin justifies the operation in Hebron as he claims it was a right of national self-defense. He explains that there was no “exaggeration” in Israel crossing the armistice line and criticizes the Government for not preparing politically by “giving Jordan an alibi.”
Begin recalls Ben Gurion’s declaration of the abandonment of El Arish and criticizes him for doing the same with Gaza. Begin stresses the importance of Gaza to the security of Israel. He encourages the settlers of the Negev not to abandon their kibbutzim and moshavim and gives hope to the soldiers that fought for the liberation of Gaza that “Gaza was, and Gaza will be, a liberated Hebrew town.”
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 expresses the importance of unity of the Motherland. He argues that the Jewish people have a historic and eternal right to the land. If the land becomes Israel’s, “it will not be foreign soil that we shall be occupying; but we shall be returning to the heritage of our ancestors.” He believes that this concept should be accepted by the whole Zionist movement. However, currently this is not the case, even with Herut’s partner, the Israel Liberal Party. Begin stresses that Gahal (the Herut-Liberal Bloc) cannot become one unified party unless the Liberal Party agrees with Herut on this principle. However, Begin also stresses that he finds Gahal’s existence important, especially when talking about the current Government under the Mapai regime.
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.”
