Subjects: Interim Agreements

Book on History of the Haganah: A Distortion of the Facts

By

Begin addresses the Golda Meir’s decision to not publish, under the name of the Government and Army, chapters about Etzel in a second volume about the history of the Haganah. Begin explains that the volume distorts Etzel’s activities and criticizes Ze’ev Jabotinsky. Begin shares his process of trying to prevent the second volume from being published. He speaks with Moshe Dayan, who then passed it onto the Cabinet. Begin also spoke with then Prime Minister, Levi Eshkol. Begin shifts to the current decision by current Prime Minister, Golda Meir, to have the volume published, but without the name of the Government or the Army. Although the distortion of the truth is still published, Begin expresses the importance of the Government’s decision not to put its stamp of approval.

The Way to Peace (1971)

By

In response to threats issued by President Anwar Sadat, Begin here compares the Soviet-Egyptian treaty to the Molotov-Ribbentrop treaty and urges Jewish unity. He closes by reiterating Gahal’s platform, which he terms an alternative to withdrawal from territory: direct negotiations, no prior obligations, and maintaining the situation at the time of the ceasefire until a full peace treaty is concluded.

Don’t be in a Hurry Mr. Sisco

By

Begin opposes an idea raised at a luncheon attended by Americans and Israelis. The idea, raised by American diplomats, was that Russia’s involvement had to do with the Israel-Arab conflict, and therefore, Israel was indirectly responsible for Russia’s actions. Begin points out that Israel is actually preventing Russia from gaining control of the Suez Canal. He argues that just how the Vietnam War cannot end quickly, the opening of the Suez Canal also needs to be a slow process. Therefore, he asks for the United States to slow down the talks about opening the Suez Canal. Begin states that Sadat does not actually want peace and based on his two terms for pace, he actually wants to liquidate Israel. In his conclusion, he talks about violence happening between Arabs and makes the argument that if they are ruthlessly fighting each other, it does not make sense for Israel to trust them.

Israel Has Now Come Full Circle

By

Begin discusses the relationship between Israel and the United States because of William Rogers and his Plan. Rogers visited Cairo and said that Egypt has done everything required for peace and when he visited Israel, he said that it was now Israel’s turn to do the same. Begin argues, though, that Anwar Sadat’s agreement to making peace with Israel would, in stages, destroy Israel. With that being said, if Israel does not agree to the concessions the U.S. demands, there could be potential U.S. economic pressure. Begin mentions a number of Ministers who say that Israel will stand firm and reject the pressure. Begin is skeptical of the Government’s strong position because a few months ago, this was not the Government’s position. Begin believes that there are other influential countries besides the U.S.; however, he hopes that the U.S. will see Egypt as “Moscow’s satellite” and will not deprive Israel of military supplies and economic assistance.

The Israel Govt. Has Broken Faith with the Knesset

By

Begin discusses the Government going against the Knesset’s decision in regards to retreating from the Suez Canal. Begin explains how the Government told the Government of the United States, in writing and verbally, that Israeli troops would retreat from the Suez Canal if the Canal was reopened to international shipping. Since the Government made pledges to maintain the decisions of the Knesset, Begin claims that the Government’s current actions are a breach to the basic law of the State. Begin then reflects on past situations and how he is in disbelief that after all this, the Government still considers withdrawing without a peace treaty. Begin remarks at the end that if Israel is not making good decisions, then there is no reason for the United States to make decisions considerate of Israel’s security.