Subjects: Security

Menachem Begin Interviewed on New York Television

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An extract of an interview Begin gave to Chris Wallace. The full version of the interview can be found at a newsletter from the UNITED ZIONISTS REVISIONISTS OF AMERICA. Begin felt persecuted as a Jew and winess persecution against Jews from his childhood through his college years. He joined Zeev Jabotinsky’s Betar movement and decided that the Jews had to fight for their own state. Etzel saw the situation in Mandatory Palestine more realistically than the Haganah and knew that there was no way they would be given a state without fighting for it. Allegations that Etzel was a bunch of cowards who killed randomly and would not face the enemy in open conflict were completely wrong, as the warnings before attacks, storming of Acre prison, and brave deaths of the Gallows Martyrs proves.

Mike Wallace Interviewing Menachem Begin

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An interview Begin gave to Chris Wallace. Begin felt persecuted as a Jew and witnessed persecution against Jews from his childhood through his college years. He joined Zeev Jabotinsky’s Betar movement and decided that the Jews had to fight for their own state. Allegations that the Irgun was a bunch of cowards who killed randomly and would not face the enemy in open conflict were completely wrong, as the warnings before attacks, storming of Acre prison, and brave deaths of the Gallows Martyrs proves. Begin says that all people and organizations, including the Irgun, make mistakes. He regrets the civilian deaths at Dir Yassin, but it was a fierce battle to conquer the town which had many casualties on both sides. The Irgun and the Lechi were too small to believe in force. War is a terrible tragedy, because once it begins innocent people are guaranteed to die no matter how careful an army is.

Israel’s Democracy Endangered

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Begin challenges the article in the “Jerusalem Post” that vaguely argues that Pinchas Lavon is against the army. Begin shares that the underlying cause of Lavon’s forced resignation and the article is because of David Ben-Gurion. Begin argues that Israel is a free state and Ben-Gurion’s actions are dangerous to the future of Israel’s democratic values. He concludes that Herut will do everything in their means to prevent Ben-Gurion’s covering up process.

Begin Calls for Ben Gurion’s Resignation

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Begin addresses the Herut Council about his disapproval of both the UN’s viewpoint on the Siniai campaign the Government’s response. He argues that Israel will commit suicide if it obeys UN’s orders to retreat. Begin strongly believes that if Israel retreats, Egyptian soldiers will enter El Arish. When that happens, Begin calls for David Ben-Gurion to resign. Begin explains what happened after the Government panicked. He envisions what an ideal relationship would be with the U.S. and concludes by thanking France for its friendship.

Stop the Retreat!

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Begin expresses his opposition in the Government’s decision to withdraw forces from the Sinai Peninsula. He explains the mistakes and hypocritical actions of the Government. He argues that panic is the worst advisor for a military struggle. Begin concludes that despite international pressure, the Government must retreat from its retreat.