Begin criticizes the government, specifically Ben-Gurion and Moshe Sharet, for being a “government that does not know what to do, nor how to express itself” at a time in which an anti-Israel agenda has been existing in many countries including Iraq, Egypt, Syria, Italy, and the Soviet Union. He attacks Ben Gurion for his threat to the British by uttering the words “destruction of Israel” while he is the “man responsible for their security.”
Begin criticizes Prime Minister Sharet sharing with Newsweek that Egypt has forfeited its right to remain in Gaza. Begin explains that if Sharet said Egyptians forfeited their right to remain in Gaza, then that means Sharet believes that Egyptians initially had a right to be in Gaza. The only reason why they no longer have that right is because of their attitude towards the Armistice agreement. Begin argues that “in order to have a right forfeited, there must originally be a right of existence” and although an occupation is a fact, it is not a right. Begin continues to argue that Egyptians invaded Eretz Israel to throw the Jews in the sea and since Sharet claims that this was their right then Sharet also claims Egypt’s right to invade the rest of Eretz Israel. Begin concludes that as the prime minister, Sharet should be protecting his citizens, whose lives are threatened by Egyptian forces occupying Gaza.
Begin discusses his frustration with the Government’s responses to a recent attack in Jerusalem. First Begin criticizes Pinchas Lavon, the Minister of Defense. He explains Lavon’s mistakes and what he could have done to prevent the surprise attack. Additionally, Begin speaks about Moshe Sharret’s leadership and how the Government is killing its own nation in a sovereign way. Then Begin shifts to address multiple opportune moments Israel could have liberated more of the Homeland and ended “senseless bloodshed.” Begin concludes by comparing Israel’s Government to the Greek character Calipides.
Begin compares and contrasts the America-Guatemala-Czech triangle to the Israel-Arab-American triangle. He first speaks about America’s active defense against Guatemala’s relationship with Czechoslovakia. When speaking about political asylum for a Guatemalan politician, he also shares that “Jewish opinion, both here and overseas, will not be able to remain indifferent if evil befalls [on] one of our people’s best friends.” Begin then speaks about the America-Guatemala-Czech and the Israel-Arab-American triangles in regards to weaponry, population differences, and possibility of attack. Begin speaks about communism verses capitalism. He shares that “Disraeli once said that nations are ruled either by force or by tradition.” His final point focuses on America’s role as a leader for the free world and that it is problematic for America to guide by force.
Begin speaks at the unveiling of Dov Gruner’s memorial in Ramat Gan. He reflects on Etzel’s purpose and the determined Etzel soldiers. He then reminds the audience that Etzel soldiers were not the first dissidents in Jewish history. Begin also explains that a key difference between Israel and other nations is that unlike other nations in war, Israel did not have any allies. This meant that Israel’s only weapons were weapons conquered from its enemy. Begin shifts to speak of the battle in which Gruner was captured and then shares the powerful words spoken to British judges by Gruner, Avshalom Habib, and Ya’acov Weiss. With Gruner’s and other soldiers’ dedication, Begin proudly announced that the nearby British fortress is guarded by Hebrew policemen. Begin then speaks about the significance of the memorial for Gruner being the Lion Cub of Judah. He concludes stating that the spirit of freedom and faith in justice will continue to exist in the Jewish nation forever.
