Subjects: Security

Menachem Begin Holds Knesset Spellbound With Analysis of Mapai Policy

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Upon his return from South Africa, Begin addresses the Knesset during a debate on the Foreign Ministry’s budget. Begin states that he will focus on policy and facts. He emphasizes his philosophy as right is might, while the Government’s principle is might is right. He also discusses how the Government helps the Arab nations who seek the destruction of Israel. For example, Moshe Sharett encouraged the U.S. to form closer relations with Israel’s enemies. Also, Israel’s UN representatives voted for the independence of Libya, and soon after Libya’s independence, it joined the Arab League. Additionally, regarding Kibiya, Sharett condemned the military operation, which of course gave reason for the UN to reprimand the event. Begin specifically talks about the Government chasing after peace with Arab nations, and how nothing has been achieved. He closes by encouraging the Government to admit their mistakes and stop missing opportunities to end the bloodshed.

What Would Herut Do

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While in South Africa, Begin addresses the South African Revisionist Party’s Executive Council and speaks about what Herut would do if it was the leading party in the Government. This address was printed over the course of three newspaper editions, each focusing on a specific topic. In the first article, Begin explains the country’s internal struggles, and then shares Herut’s solutions to those problems. The discussion of Israel’s economic problems continues in the second articleIn the last article, Begin speaks about the lack of peace with Arab countries and that liberating all of Eretz Israel is the road to peace. He expresses the necessity in giving complete equality of rights to the Arab population living in Israel. Begin also spends time discussing is the politics within the Government and concludes that it is crucial to not give up the dream of Herut being victorious in elections.

Menachem Begin Broadcasts to South Africa

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Begin broadcasts on the South African Broadcasting Corporation. He first speaks about the link between the Union of South Africa and Israel. He explains that their geographic link is narrowed because of “modern means of communication.” There is also a spiritual link between the two nations; both are dreamers and pioneers. Begin speaks about the goodwill he feels based on seeing the country and meeting the Prime Minister, press, and citizens. He shifts to talk about Israel’s potential to develop in both agricultural and industrial ways. He speaks of other countries considered to be in the Middle East and that in those countries, majority of people are in “misery and disease and malnutrition.” Begin expresses that the condition of these other countries make them a target for communism. Then he strongly states that despite threats from Israel’s enemies, Israel is going to stay on the map. He concludes that the Union of South Africa and Israel will have a solid friendship.

Menachem Begin Lectures to Pretoria University on ‘Wars of Liberation’

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Begin lectures to students at Pretoria University about the War of Independence. He compares the recent fight for freedom with the Maccabees. Both fought to return the Jewish nation to its homeland. He also speaks about just like in other liberation wars, many of the fighters die, and others take their place so “the chain is never broken, the fight for freedom goes on.” Additionally, Begin explains that freedom fighters do not believe in physical force, but rather moral force. Begin then shares that a key difference between Israel’s liberation war and other liberation wars is that in other liberation wars, the nations gained an ally. This was not that case for Israel; Israel only gained sympathy. To conclude his lecture, he spoke about the importance of youth returning to religion had having real sincere faith.

My Message Is One of Faith’ Menachem Begin Tells S.A.

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Begin speaks to a South African crowd and first pays tribute to the men who died and are ready to die for the Jewish people. He speaks of Ze’ev Jabotinsky having a minority opinion when he argued for State evacuation. Begin explains that he is not a politician because politicians cannot teach patriotism. Additionally, quoting Churchill, Begin says he would rather be irresponsible and right, than responsible and wrong. Begin speaks what Herut would like to see happen in Israel and specifically references the importance of having a constitution. He speaks of Germany and the dangers if Germany gets back their weaponry. He also discusses of the lack of peace happening between Arab countries and Israel, and that Israel is prepared for war. Begin expresses his frustration about the Government not doing enough to absorb more Jews from North Africa. He closes by reminding the crowd that despite the pessimism regarding the dream of redeeming the Homeland, the dream has come true.