Subjects: Greater Land of Israel

Be Brave of Spirit and Ready for Trials: We Shall Withstand Them

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In honor of Israel’s sixth year of independence, Begin speaks on Etzel’s secret radio. He first shares that the revolt in 1944-1948 was blessed, and it was the first Hebrew revolt since the Hasmonean revolt that ended in victory. In order to keep independence, Israel needs a total victory against its surrounding enemies. In addition to being victorious in the battlefield, Begin explains wise foreign policy and mass aliyah are necessary for maintaining independence. He shifts to speak about the necessity for justice to be the supreme ruler. He reminds the listeners that Etzel is not underground in the liberated parts of the Homeland. He also reminds them that there is still work to be done because the entire Homeland is not yet liberated. Before closing, he shares that the country is still in the midst of battles and that peace cannot be bought. In conclusion he shares that in upcoming battles, “the spirit of those who revived our nation” will accompany the Jewish nation.

Who Will Act For Israel – If not Israel

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Begin focuses on Moshe Sharett’s and the UN’s reactions to the murder at Scorpions’ Pass and the Jewish reprisal at Nahalin. After Scorpion’s Pass, Begin shares that Sharett indirectly approached the UN Security Council and ultimately the UN Security Council did not think the case was proven. Then Nahalin occurred and, while Begin condones the attack, the UN and Sharett condemned it. Begin continues to express why he does not condemn the attack and further explains the double standard the UN places on Israel. He explains that Israel must do what is best for itself, including stopping the spillage of Jewish blood. Begin shares that the Ha’aretz newspaper criticized his standpoints, however, after Nahalin, it deemed the event to be ‘cruel logic.’ In his conclusion Begin acknowledges that the Arab guerilla warfare will continue and no Israeli citizen is safe from these attacks. Begin argues that the warfare will stop once there is no more partition, once the entire Homeland is liberated.

The Only Way to Obtain Peace

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In an interview with a correspondent from the news-magazine “Ha-olam Ha-ze,” Begin explains that there is currently a guerilla war being conducted by Israel’s enemies and Begin says it is crucial to think about how to end this war. The conversation shifts to talk about an ‘opportune moment.’ He provides examples of these moments, a current one being Arabs not feeling strong enough to attack Israel in a general war. By using force at this point in time, it will stop the guerilla war and end the conversation about destroying Israel. However, the Government will not act in this ‘opportune moment.’ Begin later explains that it is problematic that Israel has no allies. It is also discussed how other countries would respond to Israel partaking in military action. If military action took place and Israel gained land West of Israel (Transjordan), Begin explains that this would bring peace. He argues that real peace does not mean a peace treaty, but means a stoppage of bloodshed.

Adventurers Who Jeopardise The State of Israel

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Begin focuses on the Government’s response to the Scorpions’ Pass massacre. He first shares that it is wrong for Jews to be accustomed to the death of twelve Jews within the Jewish Homeland. Jews sacrificed and fought in hopes to liberate the entire Homeland. Begin blames ‘adventurers’ for the reason why the land is not liberated in its entirety. One of the consequences for this decision is more bloodshed. Begin then shares that unlike these ‘adventurers’, Herut has foreseen consequences. One example is when Moshe Sharett stated that “‘General Naguib’s accession to power in Egypt has created the possibility of peace.'” Another example is when David Ben Gurion said, “‘Our orientation is not to the West and not to the East – but to the United Nations Organisation.'” A third example is when Moshe Dayan made political declarations. The final example Begin shares is Sharett’s statements over Kibiya, which Begin argues invited the Scorpions’ Pass massacre.

Britain Would Not Go to War if Israel Occupied All Western Palestine

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This article contains extracts from Begin’s fighting speech in Tel Aviv with an audience of half a million people. He comments on the statement Moshe Sharett made, which was: ”We, the Government cannot undertake to ensure that no Jews will be killed in Israel.'” He also speaks about the mistake for the Government not taking action while Egypt was distracted with internal conflict. Then Begin speaks about Sharett’s attempts to avoid Herut’s critical evaluation of the Government’s actions. Sharett specifically uses the word ‘adventure,’ and therefore, Begin uses that word to speak about Jewish history. He says, “There is adventure of devotion, of redemption, of Holy belief, and there is adventure of denial, of irresponsibility, of treachery, of surrender, of slavery.” Begin argues that this first definition of adventure applies to Etzel’s actions, while the second definition applies to the current Government.