Subjects: Security

Herut’s Role in New Knesset

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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.

Let Me Dispel the Fears From Your Hearts

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Begin wants to dissolve the discomfort Ha’aretz readers have about Etzel. He begins by emphasizing that it is most important that the readers contemplate his words. Then he continues to mention that no nation besides Israel has ever questioned its liberators’ actions. Instead, it “is considered a privilege by them.” Begin then goes into detail about the hatred he and Etzel felt from the Jewish Agency’s leader, Ben Gurion, prior to the negotiation. He said that Ben Gurion used a system of propaganda, which he referred to as “the hate system.” Along with propaganda, Begin dismantles the lie stating that Etzel did not want a united army after the emergence of the State. Lastly, he mentions the importance of Ben Gurion saying that taking down Altalena might have been a mistake. Through providing a thorough understanding of events that happened in the past, Begin ends his piece with: “it is not we [Etzel] who must correct any image, but they who must correct their angle of vision.”

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.

Bourguiba’s ‘Peaceplan’ is Aimed to Liquidate Israel

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Begin first shares both Nasser’s and Habib Bourguiba’s strategies for destroying Israel. Nasser’s plan is with rocket missiles and Bourguiba’s plan is through a disguised “peaceplan.” , Begin explains that Bourguiba takes an anti-war stance because he does not think Arabs are strong enough to win a war against Israel, therefore, his strategy is to make Israel vulnerable in stages. Begin shares that Nasser strongly opposed Bourguiba’s “peaceplan.” Additionally, Nasser protested against the proposal for improved relations between Israel and Germany. Then Begin argues that the Government is dangerously partaking in “automatic thinking” in which if Nasser, an enemy of Israel, disagrees with something, then it must be good for Israel. Begin argues that the Government’s thought process is especially hazardous because the world is listening to Israel’s reactions. He concludes that Israel is enslaved mentally, and the country must redeem itself.

Churchill’s Help in the Modern Jewish Fight for Freedom

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Begin focuses on how Winston Churchill’s beliefs and actions towards both the idea of a Jewish State and Etzel contributed to the revival of the Jewish Homeland. Begin first quotes Churchill’s pledge in 1919 about his hope for a Jewish State. Then Begin discusses Churchill’s influence of the Balfour Declaration, Peel Commission, and White Papers. All of these documents explain the shift of England’s position of a future national home for the Jewish nation throughout the years. Begin then shares Churchill’s desire for the destruction of Etzel, and as a result the Haganah began the “season.” Begin explains that because of Churchill’s position, it strengthened the argument that Jews alone liberated their land. Begin mentions Churchill’s strength against Nazi Germany and concludes by quoting the Irgun’s response to Churchill’s want for the total destruction of Etzel.