Subjects: Greater Land of Israel

Irgun Head Scores Benadotte Plan

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An interview Begin gave to the New York Times in 1948 about the Bernadotte Plan. The British are still the greatest enemies of the young State of Israel. They are using the United Nations to enact their plan to partition Eretz Israel and leave the Jews in a ghetto. The British are also helping the invading Arab armies. Begin says that invasion cannot be rewarded in any part of the workd lest it be rewarded everywhere. The Arab countries have learned that they cannot defeat Israel militarily, for in modern warfare the Jews possess the advantage of will and brainpower that are more important than mere numbers. However, the Arab countries are beginning to take revenge on the Jews who live in them. The international community needs to set up a league to help these Jews. The Herut Party will use political means to fight against partition.

Ze’ev Jabotinsky

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To honor Ze’ev Jabotinsky’s death, Begin shares how Israel exists because of Jabotinsky’s philosophies. He first shares Jabotinsky’s clear aim for a free and noble State. Then Begin explains that although it now seems like an obvious and a simple aim, leaders such as Weizmann and Ben Gurion initially expressed opposition. Additionally, once again against other founding Zionists, Jabotinsky expressed the importance of warfare, sacrifice, and love for Israel. Begin then talks about after Jews suffered without weapons, Etzel arose. Begin shifts to talk about Jabotinsky’s remains still in exile. In the conclusion, Begin confirms that Jabotinsky’s efforts have been rewarded. He shares that Jabotinsky’s students have followed Jabotinsky’s dreams and doctrines. Jabotinsky is in the heart of the nation and lives in his students, and therefore, Jabotinsky is immortal.

Statement at a Press Conference 19.09.1948

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A press release by Begin as head of the Opposition party, Tenuat Haherut, after the assassination of a UN representative by radical Zionists in Jerusalem. Tenuat Haherut does not participate in the unelected government of the new state but still feels responsible for the well-being and future of the state and therefore must comment on recent events. Britain bears indirect responsibility for the assassination by discrediting the UN as an international organization. The Provisional Government of Israel also bears indirect responsibility for the assassination because it acts cowardly towards the world but tyrannical towards Jews within its borders, both of which are causing the rise of a new underground. Tenuat Haherut is against the killing and the rise of a new underground, and calls on all Jews in Israel to unite against their enemies and for the world to treat Israel justly.

Beigin Outlines Policy In Interview with “New York Times” Correspondent

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In the interview, Begin discusses Etzel’s perspective regarding the State’s present situation and his policies to secure Israel’s future. It is first mentioned that Etzel is transitioning from a military to a political organization. Etzel plans to use ballots, not bullets, to gain political power. Begin includes that Etzel members know that arms should only be used for external enemies, despite of the Altalena situation. He argues that Israel’s existence is at stake with the current boundaries. Politically, Begin says that the Etzel will continue to insist the borders of Israel to be its historical boundaries. Etzel believes in reciprocity, and therefore, Britain is still an enemy of Israel. Additionally, Etzel wants to cooperate with nations that believe in Israel’s freedom and sovereignty. Regarding national policy, Etzel is willing to work with the Stern Group and any group that cooperates with Etzel’s “territorial and immigration aspirations.”

Israel Must Advance Eastwards— Or Be Pushed Into The Sea

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Begin expands on the idea that although the majority of people before 1948 were saying that it would be impossible to force the British out, the minority of people who believed it to be true made it reality. He relates this idea to the continuance of conquest. He states that although the British have left, the conquest must not stop there. People must realize that the conquest must continue in order to expand Israel’s borders eastwards; otherwise, “we shall be pushed into the sea.”