Bidspirit auction | Menachem Begin – Time Magazine

Menachem Begin – Time Magazine Issue of May 30, 1977, Published Following His Election Victory – Copy Signed by Begin - Issue of the American weekly Time magazine dated May 30, 1977, featuring an extensive cover story on Menachem Begin following his election victory one week earlier. Copy signed by Begin on the front cover. On May 17, 1977, elections were held for the Ninth Knesset, in which Begin led a right-wing party to victory for the first time in the history of the State of Israel, in what became known as ”the Upheaval.” The cover story, written by Spencer Davidson, examines Begin as a political figure and the implications of his election victory for the peace process, U.S.-Israel relations, and the Palestinian issue. The cover features an illustrated portrait of Menachem Begin against the backdrop of a map of the Land of Israel, created by the artist Jim Sharpe. The main cover headline reads: ”ISRAEL: TROUBLE IN THE PROMISED LAND.” ”In a startling upset, Begin's Likud coalition last week became the dominant bloc in Israel's parliament, replacing the shattered and scandal-ridden Labor Alignment that had governed the Jewish state since its founding in 1948. Likud's hawkish campaign slogan was 'Israeli sovereignty between the Mediterranean and the Jordan'... Begin's unexpected rise to power not only transformed Israel's domestic politics, but also suddenly raised serious questions about the prospects for new steps toward a Middle East peace settlement, ” the article states. The writer expresses deep admiration for the determination Begin displayed throughout the election campaign despite suffering a heart attack at its outset. He describes the astonishment that swept through the corridors of the White House upon learning of Begin's victory, where officials had been convinced that his chances of winning were very slim. The article also analyzes the election results by party and surveys the international reactions to the unexpected outcome. 76 pages. Complete issue. Good condition.