Subjects: Interim Agreements

What is ‘a Piece of Peace’

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Begin expresses his belief that the Government is guilty of political blunder. He first explains that the Israeli Government is not alone; other governments have also slacked on being honest with its citizens. He specifically critique’s the Government’s decision to renounce its demand for both direct negotiations with its neighbors and retreat from land only after signed peace treaties. He counter-argues Henry Kissinger’s argument that since Israel’s neighbors do not agree to peace treaties, it is unrealistic for Israel to demand peace treaties. Begin speaks about what Arab leaders demand and then provides examples of peace treaties and territorial changes post-World War II. He concludes with a hope that the Jewish New Year will bring peace treaties and awareness of any new political blunder by the Government.

Choice in Policy, No Fatalism

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An op-ed Begin wrote from the Jerusalem Post. He says that Israel must stand fast in demanding a full peace treaty and not withdrawal from any territory without a peace treaty. Israel is becoming isolated internationally and the PLO, despite having goals similar to the Nazis and carrying out murderous attacks on civilian targets, is gaining international recognition. The government is weak and not standing up for Israel’s rights. The Likud is in favor of a national unity government but the Alignment has sabotaged their efforts to form one by demanding that the Likud give up its principles first. He calls on mobilizing the American Jewish community and the pro-Israel community to lobby on behalf of Israel in America. There is a demographic problem, but if Jews come in large enough numbers from the Soviet Union it will cease to be an issue. Israel also must do more to save the Jews under threat in Syria. If Israel sticks up for its rights it will come through the current challenges.

No Need for Despair in Coming Year

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Begin speaks of his concerns about Henry Kissinger’s “Jordanian-Israeli disengagement of forces” plan. In this plan, Israel abandons land they liberated in the Six-Day War for interim agreements, not peace agreements. Begin speaks about Hussein’s actions against Israel in both the War of Independence and the Six-Day War. Begin argues that with interim agreements, Arab countries are just waiting for the right moment to attack Israel, again. Begin shifts to further criticize Kissinger’s plan. Begin explains that Israel will not be secure with a UN force located at the 1967 border lines. He concludes that it is important to have “positive national stubbornness in the face of pressures and threats.”

We Can Stand and Must Stand Firm

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Begin speaks about the difficult peace process with Egypt and the U.S.’s involvement. Begin first reminds the readers that after the Six-Day War, Israel insisted on direct negotiations with its neighbors for peace treaties. Without peace treaties, Israel is not willing to retreat. Then Begin explains that Yitzchak Rabin continuously makes concessions to Egypt without a peace treaty. Begin further explains that the U.S. is encouraging Israel to do as Egypt says. Begin explains that more concessions threaten Israel’s security because Egypt would disregard any promises made to the U.S. in order to support Syria in a war against Israel. To describe the situation Israel is in, Begin says, “We are required to surrender to our enemies—at the request of our friends.” He explains how the Israel-U.S. relationship is not merely the U.S. giving charity to Israel. He concludes that Israel must not surrender.

You Don’t Have a Majority in the Knesset for Re-Partition of Eretz Yisrael

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A speech Begin gave in the Knesset shortly after the December 1973 elections. He congratulates the Speaker of the Knesset and the new MKs and wishes continued good health for reelected Prime Minister Golda Meir. He questions whether the government ever asked for a mandate to withdraw from any territory before a peace agreement is reached. The national consensus had always been no withdrawal without a peace agreement, and the government never asked for a mandate to go against that consensus. Therefore it never received such a mandate. And yet it is acting as if it has a mandate to give up territory without a peace deal. The government has already given up Judea and Samaria, either to Jordan, or worse, to Arafat. This denies Jewish history and Jewish rights. It also would put most Israelis within range of the enemy’s new weapons from the USSR.