Subjects: Gunnar Jarring

The Answer to Arafat

By

Begin expresses his concern with the Government and other countries finding it necessary to grant Palestinians national self-determination. He believes that the Palestinian identity is successful propaganda and he equates it to Sudeten Germans in Czechoslovakia during World War II. Believing that the Sudeten Germans needed a right to national self-determination destroyed Czechoslovakia and gravely affected its neighboring nations. With this in mind, he talks about how the Government is making a mistake by reacting to the propaganda. These reactions include finding it crucial to accept UN Resolution 242, signing an interim agreement, and wanting the Geneva conference to reconvene. By such actions, Begin sees that Israel is losing its credibility, which could lead to collapse. In his conclusion he argues that if the PLO is successful, it will not only destroy Israel, it will harm the free world because there will be a “multidirectional Soviet base in the Middle East.”

We Seek a Mandate from the Nation to Form a Government

By

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.

The Jarring Mission

By

Begin describes the recent struggles within the Government. He first discusses the U.S. -Israel relationship and how it needs constant clarification. However, positive change in the relationship happened. Begin describes the decisions made in 1970 regarding Dr. Gunnar Jarring’s peace efforts based on the Rogers Initiative. Ultimately, the U.S. agreed with Israel’s views, including William Rogers. Begin then shares that in Rabin’s most recent trip to Israel, he did not visit his superior, Foreign Minister Abba Eban. A reason for this could be because documents Rabin marked as “Top Secret” were handed over for publication. Begin contemplates who could have leaked the documents and believes it is a national scandal with serious international repercussions. Begin then goes into more detail how it is problematic that Ministers publically share their voting decisions. Begin fears that “administration which acts in this matter is endangering the foundations of Israel’s statehood.”

One Can’t ‘Annex’ One’s Own Soil

By

A discussion of the legal framework for annexing Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip after the Six-Day War. In it, Begin draws comparisons to other situations involving territory seized during war, such as Alsace-Lorraine and the Japanese islands of Sikoto and Habomay, conquered by Russia during World War II. Begin’s main thesis is that it is entirely acceptable to maintain control of the liberated territories, as they are inseparable parts of the historical land of Israel.

Eban Cannot Concede Eretz Israel

By

In response to Foreign Minister Abba Eban’s declaration that Israel seeks only secure borders, not annexation, Begin argued that one cannot annex part of one’s Motherland. He further notes that the Jarring letter and all similar proposals are dangerous to Israel’s survival, drawing a comparison to the conflict between India and Pakistan.