Subjects: UN

Don’t be in a Hurry Mr. Sisco

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Begin opposes an idea raised at a luncheon attended by Americans and Israelis. The idea, raised by American diplomats, was that Russia’s involvement had to do with the Israel-Arab conflict, and therefore, Israel was indirectly responsible for Russia’s actions. Begin points out that Israel is actually preventing Russia from gaining control of the Suez Canal. He argues that just how the Vietnam War cannot end quickly, the opening of the Suez Canal also needs to be a slow process. Therefore, he asks for the United States to slow down the talks about opening the Suez Canal. Begin states that Sadat does not actually want peace and based on his two terms for pace, he actually wants to liquidate Israel. In his conclusion, he talks about violence happening between Arabs and makes the argument that if they are ruthlessly fighting each other, it does not make sense for Israel to trust them.

Israel Has Now Come Full Circle

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Begin discusses the relationship between Israel and the United States because of William Rogers and his Plan. Rogers visited Cairo and said that Egypt has done everything required for peace and when he visited Israel, he said that it was now Israel’s turn to do the same. Begin argues, though, that Anwar Sadat’s agreement to making peace with Israel would, in stages, destroy Israel. With that being said, if Israel does not agree to the concessions the U.S. demands, there could be potential U.S. economic pressure. Begin mentions a number of Ministers who say that Israel will stand firm and reject the pressure. Begin is skeptical of the Government’s strong position because a few months ago, this was not the Government’s position. Begin believes that there are other influential countries besides the U.S.; however, he hopes that the U.S. will see Egypt as “Moscow’s satellite” and will not deprive Israel of military supplies and economic assistance.

Israel Diplomacy is Moving in Circles

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Begin explains that based on Anwar Sadat’s words and actions, it is delusional of Israel to believe that peace will come from the Rogers Plan. In a speech, Sadat says that Egypt’s goals of war are to force Israel back into the pre-Six-Day War borders and to safeguard Palestinian rights. Furthermore, Sadat threatens to end the ceasefire if Israel does not begin to withdrawal from the east bank of the Suez Canal. Begin understands that the meaning of these goals is to destroy Israel. His response is that Israel needs to answer strongly to show that threats will not weaken Israel. Begin believes that people are delusional if they support withdrawal and therefore, trust international forces to secure Israel. Begin does not trust the current peace agreements. In the end, he argues that peace agreements need to through direct negotiations and that Jews have an unconditional right to Israel.

The Answer to Dayan’s Challenge

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Begin argues against Moshe Dayan for wanting to renew the Jarring talks. However, Begin first criticizes Dayan for criticizing Gahal during the Labor Party’s internal electioneering campaign. Begin shares different possible reasons why Dayan inappropriately brought up Gahal. Then Begin refocuses on Dayan’s support for renewing the Jarring talks. Begin goes into detail about Dayan flip-flopping in regards to his perspective on the Jarring talks. Begin shows that initially, Dayan was strongly against the talks. For example, two years ago he threatened to leave the Cabinet if the Jarring talks were not suspended. Begin plays out what will happen with the renewal of the talks. He says “the talks will break up or we will retreat further.” Begin does not see either of these options ending the war. Begin ends by writing he strongly supports a peace treaty through direct negotiations.

Israel Must Rid Itself of the Jarring Debacle

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Begin focuses on the actions of the Israeli Government, which caused Gahal to leave the Government. In regard to Rogers initiative, the Government at first rejected it, and then later accepted it. Begin mentions that the U.S. State Department ignored the Government’s amendments and claimed that Israel had accepted the original Rogers initiative. This original led to Resolution 242. Even though the Israeli Government had previously rejected some of the notions in the Rogers initiative, they paradoxically made the decision to work towards accomplishing this resolution. Begin explains that Gahal could not be part of a Government that accepted such initiative because it completely went against both Gahal’s platform for “no partition” and the accepted Government policy of peace treaties being achieved through direct negotiations. In the conclusion, Begin focuses on the danger Israel faces from its neighbors as a result of the Government accepting the Rogers initiative.