Subjects: Interim Agreements

Surrender Engenders Further Surrender

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Begin speaks about how it is dangerous for Israel to continuously retreat without peace agreements. He first speaks about the Mitla and Giddi Passes and the Abu Rodeis oilfields. Originally, Israel recognized that these were important and therefore, could not be surrendered. However, Yitzchak Rabin declared on American television that Israel would hand over these areas for an interim agreement with Egypt. Begin also shares Egypt’s attitude and how Henry Kissinger encourages Israel to accept this attitude. Begin argues that the Government accepting such attitude is an act of surrender. Furthermore, retreating from the passes and oilfields discredits Israel’s ability to stick to its word. He speaks more about Kissinger and how Kissinger threatens and pressures Israel. Begin concludes that Israel cannot follow Kissinger’s delusions because Israel’s security is at serious risk.

Israel’s Fruits of Victory Are Now in the Balance

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Begin speaks about how it is dangerous for Israel to continuously retreat without peace agreements. He first speaks about the major losses of security, oil, and money if Israel hands over the Milta and Giddi passes and the Abu Rodeis oilfields. Begin then explains why it is dangerous to retreat back to the 1967 border lines without a true peace treaty. He counter-argues the claim by foreign powers that Israel should be pleased that if it retreats to the 1967 lines, Arab nations will recognize Israel’s right to exist. Begin speaks about Anwar Sadat’s strategy of emphasizing that not only does Israel need to retreat to the 1967 borders, Israel also needs to restore the rights of Palestinians. Towards the end, Begin discusses the discrimination Israel experiences by its ships not being allowed to pass through the Suez Canal. He concludes that now is the time for complete alertness.

8 Points for Peace

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In the Passover Edition of the Jewish Herald, Begin states 8 points Herut has proposed in order to establish peace in the Middle East. He then addresses neighboring Arab countries. Begin stresses to them that each time they attempted to destroy Israel, they destroyed themselves. He continues to say that Israel is getting stronger because the fighting Jew has emerged and is “prepared to fight for liberty.” Begin argues that although that the fighting Jew can destroy Arabs, the fighting Jew wants to make peace. Additionally, Begin says that history that continuing with war is pointless. He reiterates, though, that Israel’s forces are alert and ready. He then counters the argument that Herut views are extremist and concludes that making great land concessions and negotiating with Arafat representatives are in fact extremist.

A Mighty Public Has Answered the Call

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Begin begins with his opinion that it is unrealistic and unproductive to speak about general peace agreements, yet he also does not agree with the agreed upon interim agreements. Kissinger’s interim agreement plan included one year of non-belligerency if Israel retreats 50 kilometers from the border with Egypt. He believes that this agreement is “territory in exchange for non-peace,” and that when the year is over it will lead to a war that could potentially endanger civilian lives. He regards the Likud Petition as an opportunity for the public to share it’s opinion. The main point of the petition is for Israel to keep the territories of Judea and Samaria in order to protect the future of the land of Israel.

Rabin’s Policy Means War

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Begin speaks about Yitzchak Rabin’s policy leading to another war. He first explains Rabin’s mistake in no longer insisting peace treaties. Even so, the U.S. is not satisfied with Rabin’s actions. Begin explains Henry Kissinger’s involvement and then speaks about how Security Council Resolution 338 includes Security Council Resolution 242. Therefore, Begin misled Israelis and satisfied Assad when referring to Resolution 338. Begin quotes Sadat’s position about Israeli interim withdrawals. Begin speaks about Sadat’s strong relationship with Assad. He concludes that it is misleading for Rabin to claim that Arab agreement can be obtained because it will lead to a war.