Subjects: Security

In Israel There Must Be a Sobering-Up

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Begin focuses on his disagreements with the Jarring Mission. First, he talks about the Israeli Government, which Gahal is no longer part of. He talks about how it was a problematic for the Government to use the word “withdrawal” when wanting peace with Arab neighbors. Such words led to Jarring’s two principles for permanent peace which lead to the UN Resolution 242. Begin believes that the Government put themselves in this situation. Regardless, Begin also believes that Jarring’s principles do not give the Arab nations any obligations. He believes that although they will claim that they already have acknowledged the sovereignty, the integrity, and the independence of Israel, their actions do not show it. Because of the 3 no’s, Arab nations insisted to meet separately and to not have direct negotiations. Jarring agreed to this. Begin hopes that Jarring and others will realize that the Arab nations are bluffing when saying they want peace with Israel.

Jewish-Arab Relations in Israel

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Begin replies to a Knesset member’s open letter to him regarding the future of Palestinian people. He first states that by talking about Palestine or Palestinian people, then kibbutzniks are not farmers, but conquerors and invaders. Then he disagrees with the opinion that the cities of Bethlehem and Hebron are not part of Israel. He also disagrees with the vision of a bi-national State. This is because there are not only Jews and Arabs in Israel, there are also Druze. Additionally, Begin argues that many States are multi-ethnic, and, the countries that consist of one ethnic group are not necessarily peaceful. The third point Begin touches upon is that unlike minorities in many other countries, Arabs in Israel are given cultural self-determination. In his conclusion, he talks about the new “apologetic” or “justifying” Israeli. He does not believe Israelis need to justify their existence in Israel, and so he suggests that they disappear.

Gahal Ready to Enter Unity Cabinet

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In the interview, Begin discusses Gahal’s decision to be part of the potential Government of National Unity. The main reason why Gahal agreed is because of the “time of emergency and for a war of salvation.” Under usual circumstances, Begin would have recommended for Gahal not to agree to be part of the Government of National Unity, nor a limited coalition with the Alignment. Begin talks about the positive results of the Histadrut elections. The elections showed an increase in Gahal’s workers and representation. Additionally, Gahal gained popularity amongst the youth. Then the interview shifts to issues that Israel will be dealing with in the future. This includes: surrendering Sinai and the West Bank, Israeli law extending to land gained from Six-Day War, peace agreements with Arab nations, and Russia’s involvement in fighting against Israel.

By Our Present Stand We Assure Israel a Future and Peace

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The interview with Begin focuses on his political perspectives and experiences. The introduction positively describes Begin and emphasizes how people think he has changed. The first question asked is about the relationship between Etzel agreeing to work with the Haganah, and Gahal agreeing to a Government of National Unity. Begin explains the differences between both situations. However, the main similarity is the purpose: Salvation of the nation. Begin then discusses his experiences while being in “Opposition.” He talks about the importance in stating that it is a historic right for Judea and Samaria to be part of Israel, however, he emphasizes that he will not initiate war. He spends time defining political terms such as “left,” “right,” “socialists,” and “progressives.” He identifies some of these groups as anti-Israeli and therefore, also anti-Semitic. The interview ends with Begin sharing his beliefs about peace. He is confident that peace will someday come.

No Return to Armistice Lines

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At a conference for Jewish Diaspora leaders, Begin expresses the importance of Israel to maintain the land gained from the Six-Day War, and not retreat. He first shares what Nasser, Atassi, Aref, and Hussein said about Israel prior to the Six-Day War. He connects their aggression to that of Germans. He then explains that according to international law, there are two phases after a defensive war is won. The first phase is prior to a peace treaty and the second phase is the negotiation period, which concludes with a peace agreement. He provides examples of peace treaties that occurred after the first and second world wars to show that the aggressors always lose territory. Regarding concern for lack of a Jewish majority in the Homeland and diplomacy, Begin says that they must not be afraid. He speaks about El Fatah and argues that they use methods of genocide. He uses Jewish text to reiterate that the Land of Israel is the land of Jewish ancestors and forefathers.