Subjects: Levi Eshkol

We Should Hold the Parade in Jerusalem

By

Begin argues against Levi Eshkol’s decision for not having an army parade on Israel’s Independence Day in Israel’s capital, Jerusalem. Begin says that one of the Eshkol’s reasons is because in the past, the parades in Jerusalem were insignificant, which did not raise morale of the army or Jerusalemites. Begin accuses the Government of simply unwilling to organize a powerful parade in Jerusalem. Another reason of Eshkol’s for not having an army parade in Jerusalem is because it would breach the Armistice Agreement with Jordan. It is extremely troubling to Begin that Eshkol even mentions Israel’s capabilities to break the Agreement because Jordan has already broken the Agreement. Begin goes even further to say that all of the Armistice Agreements have been broken by the Arab nations. In the conclusion, Begin writes that because of Eshkol’s mistakes, the Israeli public will either think that if the parade is in Jerusalem, it will be lacking morale or breaching the Agreement.

Huge Aid to the Arabs is not Satisfactory

By

Begin expresses serious concern about the safety of Israel because of the relationships between Arab nations and other countries. He compares Abba Eban to Moshe Sharett because both met with United States’ president. At first, both believed that the U.S. could have a positive influence for the advancement of peace in the region. Begin mentions that Sharett understood that his words did not benefit Israel, but rather put Israel’s safety at risk. Begin argues that Abba Eban and the current Government still does not understand the grave danger Israel faces as a result of France, the United States, and other nations providing weapons to Arab nations. Once the Arab nations are ready to destroy Israel, the Israeli Defense Forces will need to divide into three to protect its borders. However, Begin is confident that even with the odds against Israel, the Arab nations will not succeed in destroying Israel.

We Must Act to Avert it in Time

By

Begin writes about Ben Gurion’s continuous attacks on Prime Minister Levi Eshkol. Ben Gurion claimed that “Mr. Eshkol cannot conduct the affairs of the State and its security.” Some are frustrated with Ben Gurion’s behavior and believe that the new Government should not be attacked and criticized. Begin, however, believes that the Opposition not only has a right, it also has a democratic duty to oppose the Government’s decisions. Then Begin mentions that the Knesset can formulate a new Government if they do not have confidence in the current Government. In order for the Knesset to do this, there needs to be cooperation between the Opposition groups, meaning Gahal and Rafi. Begin, however, mentions that he does not think that Rafi members are genuine in their public affirmations that Rafi and Gahal could cooperate. Furthermore, Begin strongly states that Gahal does not want to cooperate with any party who thinks that Gahal is evil and sins.

Herut’s Role in New Knesset

By

Begin speaks to the new Knesset focusing on his disappointments and lack of confidence in the new Government. Throughout the speech, he repeats that within the Government “‘yes’ is not ‘yes’; ‘no’ is not ‘no.'” He first discusses members’ actions in finding a loophole around the law the fifth Knesset adopted. He also discusses the actions of the new Minister of Labour, who demands Sabbath Law. This Minister demands the Ashdod Port to be closed on Shabbat, but because this could damage the national economy, he will determine if the port needs to operate on Shabbat. Ultimately, he argues that national action needs to happen and shares the actions Herut wants to take.

May We be Worthy of the Confidence of 250,000 Voters

By

Begin analyzes the Sixth Knesset election results and criticizes Mapai’s actions and the newspapers’ roles in the election process. Begin emphasizes that although he is sad, he is proud of GahalBegin mentions that Mapai has control over foreign language newspapers, which matters because there are hundreds of thousands of Israelis who read them. He also mentions how newspaper “Yediot Ahronot” had a stronger bias towards Mapai and newspaper “Ma’ariv” was hostile towards Gahal. Also, regarding advertisements, for each one Gahal had, Mapai had four or five. Despite all this, Begin is hopeful for the future because votes received in one election do not accurately predict the votes for the future. He ends with saying the Herut-Liberal bloc will sit together in the Knesset not just because of the formal union, but also because of over a quarter million of voters’ confidence in them.