Subjects: William Rogers

More than P.M.’s Credibility is at Stake

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Begin focuses on Golda Meir’s statements of resigning from premiership. He argues that a key problem is that if she does not follow through, then she will be seen as a leader that does not follow her word. He continues that Israel’s leader losing credibility hurts Israel’s diplomacy. He shifts to argue that the United States needs to recognize that there is a partnership between Israel and the U.S. Israel is not a charity State. To support his argument, he speaks about Israel helping prevent U.S. soldiers being killed in Vietnam. However, Begin points out that Meir does not publically share this assistance. Begin also touches upon the current majority of the Government wanting to partition the Homeland. He concludes that Israel and its representatives need to remind the international community that Israel is a “free people [that] will make its own decision about its future, its security and its peace.”

The Jarring Mission

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Begin describes the recent struggles within the Government. He first discusses the U.S. -Israel relationship and how it needs constant clarification. However, positive change in the relationship happened. Begin describes the decisions made in 1970 regarding Dr. Gunnar Jarring’s peace efforts based on the Rogers Initiative. Ultimately, the U.S. agreed with Israel’s views, including William Rogers. Begin then shares that in Rabin’s most recent trip to Israel, he did not visit his superior, Foreign Minister Abba Eban. A reason for this could be because documents Rabin marked as “Top Secret” were handed over for publication. Begin contemplates who could have leaked the documents and believes it is a national scandal with serious international repercussions. Begin then goes into more detail how it is problematic that Ministers publically share their voting decisions. Begin fears that “administration which acts in this matter is endangering the foundations of Israel’s statehood.”

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.

Begin – Rogers Clash Over U.S. Peace Plan

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This article summarizes and quotes Begin’s address to the Knesset, with William Rogers present, arguing against the Roger’s Plan. He argues that 97% of the Knesset rejects the Roger’s plan because it would allow for Israeli cities to be vulnerable to Arab shelling. Begin argues that the plan gives Arabs everything. He also reminds Rogers that Israel is the only obstacle preventing a Russian invasion into the region. The article concludes by quoting Begin from the Israel Radio, in which Begin said that Israel is still far from peace, and the U.S. supporting the Roger’s Plan does not help.