Menachem Begin: A Portrait of a Leader

Menachem Begin was the sixth Prime Minister of Israel, serving from 1977 to 1983. He is widely considered one of the most important figures in Israeli history, having led the country to peace with Egypt and playing a key role in the Camp David Accords. Begin was a complex and controversial figure, but there is no doubt that he was a man of great passion and conviction.

Menachem Begin: Portrait of a Leader - A Biography

by Bram Vanderstok

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3494 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	503 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Begin was born in Brest-Litovsk, Poland, in 1913. His father was a teacher and his mother was a Zionist activist. Begin grew up in a religious household and was educated at a Hebrew-language school. He joined the Betar, a Zionist youth movement, at the age of 16 and quickly rose through the ranks. In 1939, he was elected to the leadership of the Betar World Union.

When World War II broke out, Begin joined the Polish Army and fought against the Nazis. He was captured by the Soviets in 1940 and spent the rest of the war in a Siberian labor camp. After the war, Begin returned to Poland and helped to organize the Berihah, a clandestine organization that helped Holocaust survivors to escape to Palestine.

In 1948, Begin immigrated to Israel and joined the Irgun, a paramilitary organization that fought for the creation of a Jewish state. Begin was one of the leaders of the Irgun's attack on the British Mandate headquarters in Jerusalem in 1946, which resulted in the deaths of 91 people. After the establishment of the State of Israel, Begin was elected to the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, on the Herut Party list. He served as a member of the Knesset for 30 years, and led the Herut Party from 1967 to 1977.

In 1977, Begin led the Likud Party to victory in the Knesset elections. He became Prime Minister and formed a coalition government with the National Religious Party and the Agudat Israel Party. Begin's government was the first right-wing government in Israeli history.

As Prime Minister, Begin faced a number of challenges, including the ongoing conflict with the Palestinians and the threat of war with Egypt. In 1978, Begin met with Egyptian President Anwar Sadat at Camp David, where they signed the Camp David Accords. The accords led to a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt, which was signed in 1979. The Camp David Accords were a major breakthrough in the Middle East peace process, and Begin was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in negotiating the agreement.

Begin also faced a number of domestic challenges during his time as Prime Minister. In 1982, he ordered the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, which was an attempt to destroy the PLO's infrastructure in Lebanon. The invasion was controversial, and it led to the deaths of thousands of Lebanese civilians. Begin also faced criticism for his handling of the economy, which was suffering from high inflation and unemployment.

Begin resigned as Prime Minister in 1983, and he died in 1992. He is buried in Jerusalem, on the Mount of Olives. The Menachem Begin Heritage Center, which is located in Jerusalem, is dedicated to preserving Begin's legacy.

Legacy

Menachem Begin was a complex and controversial figure, but there is no doubt that he was a man of great passion and conviction. He was a key figure in the Israeli independence movement, and he played a major role in shaping the country's history. Begin's legacy is mixed, but he is widely considered one of the most important figures in Israeli history.

Begin's supporters argue that he was a great leader who made difficult decisions in the best interests of Israel. They point to his role in negotiating the Camp David Accords and his commitment to peace with Egypt. They also argue that Begin was a strong leader who stood up to Israel's enemies and defended the country's security.

Begin's critics argue that he was a reckless leader who made decisions that led to unnecessary bloodshed. They point to his decision to invade Lebanon and his handling of the economy. They also argue that Begin was too willing to compromise with Israel's enemies and that he did not do enough to protect the country's security.

Menachem Begin was a complex and controversial figure, but there is no doubt that he was a man of great passion and conviction. He was a key figure in the Israeli independence movement, and he played a major role in shaping the country's history. Begin's legacy is mixed, but he is widely considered one of the most important figures in Israeli history.

Menachem Begin: Portrait of a Leader - A Biography

by Bram Vanderstok

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3494 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	503 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE