Subjects: Levi Eshkol

It is Not a Matter of Protocol but of Heart and Mind

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Begin delivers a speech at a mass meeting in Tel Aviv to protest the arrival of the first German Ambassador to Israel, Dr. Rolf Pauls. Throughout the speech he weaves together the history of Nazism, Dr. Pauls’ past connection with Nazism, and the loss of 6 million Jews. Begin expresses frustration that the tens of millions of Germans who supported Hitler are still residing in Germany and Dr. Pauls comes to Israel representing them. Begin shifts to speak about his disapproval of Levi Eshkol’s kind words to the German people. Begin also expresses his frustration regarding the German Chancellor’s words regarding Israel-Germany relations. Begin then acknowledges that not only members of Herut are present at the demonstration, and that this is a forum for all of Israel. He closes telling the audience to walk together in silence in memory of the Jews who perished in the Holocaust.

The Mapai We Knew for 30 Years is No More

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Begin writes about the splintering of Mapai into three, four, and even maybe five Mapais. He explains who each of these Mapais is and what each thinks of the other Mapais. Begin then puts to question the trustworthiness of leaders who express hatred towards former friends, colleagues, and comrades. Furthermore, he brings up what it could mean about the historical opposition to these leaders. Then Begin shares that there are two principal Mapais, which he calls Alef and Bet and are led respectively by Levi Eshkol and David Ben Gurion. He explains what each bloc wants regarding the election process. Begin shifts to speak about Mapai’s attempts in excluding Herut from Histadrut elections and the justice system being on Herut’s side. In his conclusion, Begin explains that Herut-Liberal bloc will attack the Mapai blocs simultaneously in hopes to change the leadership of the State.

The People Will Decide if Mapai is Fit to Rule

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Begin addresses the Knesset and focuses on Israel-Germany relationship. He first accuses the majority of the Knesset of acting undemocratically by accepting the proposal to not oblige Germany to provide Israel with arms. He also speaks about his concern of German scientists in Egypt, and the relationship between Western Germany and Egypt. Then Begin strongly expresses frustration in Knesset members supporting diplomatic relations with Germany. The crux of his argument is “If we are given the alternative: The State of Israel without peace with the Arabs, or peace with the Arabs without the State of Israel, we would choose the State without peace. Experience has taught us that lack of peace is painful and an anxiety. Lack of a State is a catastrophe.” Begin concludes that the people will decide who will rule Israel, and that it is clear that Mapai is not fit for that position.

The Reed of German Support has Collapsed

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Begin briefly discusses the absurdity of relying on Germany for arms as a last resort, particularly in the aftermath of the Holocaust and given that German scientists were helping Egypt to develop missiles.

The Government Must Go for the Nation’s Sake

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Begin calls for the resignation of the Israeli government over its mishandling of the Lavon Affair. In particular, he objects to the passing of classified documents, previously kept from the government, to a reporter, and the government’s inaction in response.