The Revolt of Menachem Begin: A Long Tail of Defiance and Triumph

The Revolt

by Menachem Begin

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4289 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	416 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Early Life and the Path to Resistance

Menachem Begin was born into a devout Jewish family in Brest-Litovsk, Poland (now Belarus) on August 16, 1913. From a young age, he embraced Zionism, the movement advocating for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. His passion for his homeland intensified after witnessing the horrors inflicted upon his people during the Holocaust.

In 1942, Begin joined the Irgun, a militant underground organization fighting against British rule in Palestine. He quickly rose through the ranks and became a prominent leader, known for his unwavering determination and strategic brilliance.

The Irgun Revolt and the Struggle for Independence

Under Begin's leadership, the Irgun carried out a series of audacious attacks against British military targets, including the bombing of the King David Hotel in Jerusalem in 1946. These actions were met with both condemnation and admiration, as Begin sought to draw international attention to the plight of the Jewish people and their aspirations for independence.

The Irgun's revolt played a significant role in forcing the British to withdraw from Palestine in 1948. Begin emerged as a national hero, but his reputation was also marred by accusations of excessive violence during the conflict.

Establishment of the Likud Party and Political Leadership

After the establishment of the State of Israel, Begin founded the Likud Party, a right-wing political organization that advocated for a strong military and a tough stance against Arab aggression. He remained a vocal advocate for Jewish settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

In 1977, Likud won a historic victory in the Israeli general elections, ending decades of Labor Party dominance. Begin became Prime Minister and embarked on a new era of Israeli politics.

The Camp David Accords and the Nobel Peace Prize

One of Begin's greatest achievements was his role in negotiating the Camp David Accords in 1978. Together with Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and US President Jimmy Carter, Begin hammered out a framework for peace between Israel and Egypt.

The accords, which included Israel's withdrawal from the Sinai Peninsula, earned Begin the Nobel Peace Prize in 1978. It marked a historic turning point in the Middle East conflict and paved the way for future peace agreements.

Legacy of a Complex and Controversial Figure

Menachem Begin's legacy is complex and often polarizing. He was a charismatic leader who inspired both admiration and revulsion. His unwavering commitment to a Jewish homeland and his daring tactics during the Irgun revolt made him a hero to many Israelis.

However, his support for settlements in occupied territories and his hawkish views on security alienated many Palestinians and international observers. Nonetheless, his role in shaping the history of Israel remains undeniable.

Menachem Begin's life and career were marked by a long tail of defiance and triumph. From his early days as a resistance fighter to his later years as Prime Minister, he played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of the State of Israel. His unwavering determination and complex legacy continue to resonate in the annals of history.

The Revolt

by Menachem Begin

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4289 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	416 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE