We’ll Not Submit to Threats
Begin warns that Israel cannot heed Egypt’s threat to attack Israel, in the case that Israel attacks Syria, since Israel cannot remain passive in the face of Syrian aggression
Subjects: Security
Don’t Apologize for Hebron
Begin justifies the operation in Hebron as he claims it was a right of national self-defense. He explains that there was no “exaggeration” in Israel crossing the armistice line and criticizes the Government for not preparing politically by “giving Jordan an alibi.”
The Flag of Israel Will Yet Fly Over Gaza
Begin recalls Ben Gurion’s declaration of the abandonment of El Arish and criticizes him for doing the same with Gaza. Begin stresses the importance of Gaza to the security of Israel. He encourages the settlers of the Negev not to abandon their kibbutzim and moshavim and gives hope to the soldiers that fought for the liberation of Gaza that “Gaza was, and Gaza will be, a liberated Hebrew town.”
Loyal Opposition – Positive Role in Israeli Politics
An op-ed in the Jewish chronicle by Begin about the purpose of and need for an opposition in a democracy. So-called ‘one-party democracies’ are just autocracies called by a nicer name in the west for political expediency. Herut has had to do more than just oppose the government because of the unique threats and challenges Israel faces. Herut took the lead in several important policy initiatives, such as Israel’s alliance with France, the issue of Arab refugees from the War of Independence, and the issue of German scientists helping the Egyptians produce powerful and destructive weapons. It is also important for Herut to constantly seek to replace the government because otherwise it would allow Israel to become a “one-party democracy.” It is imperative that another party eventually win control of the government to allow democracy to work as it is supposed to.
We Believe in Israel’s Future
Begin outlines a few of the issues facing Israel during this time of crisis. Included in these issues are the assimilation of the present generation in Israel, the economic issue which has been bringing the state farther from economic independence, the contraction of towns that were once developing, unemployment, and the high rise in emigration and drop in aliyah (immigration). After enumerating these issues, Begin suggests a few ways to improve the situation. This includes proclaiming the right of the Jewish nation to Greater Israel, announcing to the world that no atomic arms should be given into German hands, providing citizens with employment and insurance in the case of unemployment, and overall, reawakening the nation with a new spirit.
