Subjects: Security

The Only Way to Obtain Peace

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In an interview with a correspondent from the news-magazine “Ha-olam Ha-ze,” Begin explains that there is currently a guerilla war being conducted by Israel’s enemies and Begin says it is crucial to think about how to end this war. The conversation shifts to talk about an ‘opportune moment.’ He provides examples of these moments, a current one being Arabs not feeling strong enough to attack Israel in a general war. By using force at this point in time, it will stop the guerilla war and end the conversation about destroying Israel. However, the Government will not act in this ‘opportune moment.’ Begin later explains that it is problematic that Israel has no allies. It is also discussed how other countries would respond to Israel partaking in military action. If military action took place and Israel gained land West of Israel (Transjordan), Begin explains that this would bring peace. He argues that real peace does not mean a peace treaty, but means a stoppage of bloodshed.

Adventurers Who Jeopardise The State of Israel

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Begin focuses on the Government’s response to the Scorpions’ Pass massacre. He first shares that it is wrong for Jews to be accustomed to the death of twelve Jews within the Jewish Homeland. Jews sacrificed and fought in hopes to liberate the entire Homeland. Begin blames ‘adventurers’ for the reason why the land is not liberated in its entirety. One of the consequences for this decision is more bloodshed. Begin then shares that unlike these ‘adventurers’, Herut has foreseen consequences. One example is when Moshe Sharett stated that “‘General Naguib’s accession to power in Egypt has created the possibility of peace.'” Another example is when David Ben Gurion said, “‘Our orientation is not to the West and not to the East – but to the United Nations Organisation.'” A third example is when Moshe Dayan made political declarations. The final example Begin shares is Sharett’s statements over Kibiya, which Begin argues invited the Scorpions’ Pass massacre.

Britain Would Not Go to War if Israel Occupied All Western Palestine

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This article contains extracts from Begin’s fighting speech in Tel Aviv with an audience of half a million people. He comments on the statement Moshe Sharett made, which was: ”We, the Government cannot undertake to ensure that no Jews will be killed in Israel.'” He also speaks about the mistake for the Government not taking action while Egypt was distracted with internal conflict. Then Begin speaks about Sharett’s attempts to avoid Herut’s critical evaluation of the Government’s actions. Sharett specifically uses the word ‘adventure,’ and therefore, Begin uses that word to speak about Jewish history. He says, “There is adventure of devotion, of redemption, of Holy belief, and there is adventure of denial, of irresponsibility, of treachery, of surrender, of slavery.” Begin argues that this first definition of adventure applies to Etzel’s actions, while the second definition applies to the current Government.

There’s War

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Begin focuses on David Ben Gurion’s involvement in the Government and other political figures in Government who he deems as “leaders who do not want to want.” He first speaks about Ben Gurion’s writings, which simplify how the State was reborn. Furthermore, Begin criticizes Ben Gurion of overstepping his boundaries as past Prime Minister. His actions, Begin argues, weakens the Government and the Government’s image in the eyes of other nations. Begin then speaks about Dayan’s role as Chief of Staff. As Chief of Staff, Begin explains that it is crucial for Dayan to be non-partisan. Begin shifts to his main point that despite what others are saying, Israel is currently in a war. He explains that to end the war with Arabs and liberate the rest of the Homeland, Israel has every right to fight the war. He also explains that without war, at the right moment, Israel can succeed. Begin concludes that the latter option cannot happen with leaders who “do not want to want.”

The Irresponsible Conduct of Mr. Sharet

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Begin writes about the Kibiya operation and his disagreement about Moshe Sharett’s response. He first mentions that unlike other nations fighting to retain independence, if Israel loses independence it will not only be a national disaster, it will mean annihilation of its citizens. He shifts to address Sharett’s comment about Arab States partaking in a cold war against Israel. Begin explains that because there is bloodshed, it is actually a hot war. Begin explains that Sharett’s response about Kibiya was irresponsible for multiple of reasons. He mentions that Diaspora Jewry did not react the same negative way Knesset members reacted, even though their news sources made it seem like the Kibiya operation sprung out from nowhere. He also brings up irresponsible actions of Jewish leaders in the midst of Israel’s independence. Begin concludes that Sharett’s comments about Kibiya are problematic because he did not mention the Jewish bloodshed.