Golda (2023) Movie Script
1
(PROJECTOR WHIRRING)
MAN 1: While there is a rattle
of gunfire in the Holy Land,
there is cheering
in Washington
and Hebrew dances of joy
for a Jewish homeland
that has been reborn.
(CHEERING)
Haganah troops
search for Arabs
after capturing the city.
(OVERLAPPING VOICES)
MAN 2: More than
4,000 Palestinians
have been forced
to flee their homes.
Their journey as refugees
has just started.
MAN 3: Intensive diplomatic
negotiations on the Mid-East
continue today in Washington
as Israel's Prime Minister,
Golda Meir,
met with President Nixon
at the White House
for 80 minutes.
NIXON: It's a very great
privilege for me,
speaking on behalf
of the American people...
I had no prior knowledge
of the Watergate break-in.
(SPEAKING ARABIC)
(PROJECTOR STOPS)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(DISTANT SHOUTING)
(SHOUTING CONTINUES)
(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)
MAN: Good morning,
Madam Prime Minister.
Good morning.
(COUGHING)
MAN: Please swear.
I swear to tell the truth,
the whole truth,
knowing that I will be
subject to punishment
provided by law if I do not.
(OPENS BAG)
(CLOSES BAG)
-MAN: Madam Prime Minister.
-(TYPEWRITER CLACKING)
Let us begin with
October the 5th, 1973.
(MOONLIGHT SONATA
BY BEETHOVEN PLAYING ON PIANO)
Yes!
(TELEPHONE RINGING)
Use the fingering
I showed you.
East Finchley School,
Mrs. Epstein speaking.
MAN: (OVER TELEPHONE)
This is the Chemist.
This is the Postmistress.
Go ahead.
Zinc. Cadmium.
Chlorine. Hydrogen.
(TELEPHONE RINGING)
-Hello?
-This is the Postmistress.
This is the Baker. Go ahead.
Zinc. Cadmium.
Chlorine. Hydrogen.
(INDISTINCT SHOUTING ON TV)
GOLDA: Put out a statement
expressing my disappointment
at the Austrian capitulation
to the terrorists.
Disappointment,
or maybe frustration?
Yes, frustration.
That's better.
-Zvika.
-Prime Minister.
To what do I owe the pleasure?
I heard from my spy,
the Chemist.
He wants to meet tonight.
He's warning of war.
As he did in May.
The warning was accurate.
He cried wolf.
That's how it was perceived.
Why do you trust this man?
He knows everything
and he says war is coming.
Yeah, well, of course,
war is coming, but when?
Without Dayan's support,
there can be no mobilization
and he is unconvinced
that the threat is imminent.
If he resigns,
the government falls.
It's that simple.
And then the Arabs
will most certainly attack.
What does your gut tell you?
My gut is none of
your business.
But...
Hmm.
You're right.
There is something.
Ask the Chemist for a date,
a document,
something concrete
I can work with.
I think I'll stay in Tel-Aviv
with my son over Kippur.
After your meeting,
call me on the secure line.
(MAN SPEAKING ON RADIO,
IN HEBREW)
No one saw you enter,
Madam Prime Minister.
-GOLDA: Mmm-hmm.
-It's all clear.
-Madam Prime Minister.
-Dr. Rosenfeld.
I can't see any new growth.
The cobalt radiation
appears to be working.
But the cigarettes
and the black coffee...
You're making my job
much harder.
And you mine. (CHUCKLING)
Could you manage
another treatment?
-Do I have a choice?
-Not really.
This lymphoma is aggressive.
Make sure she eats
and takes her medication.
I want you
to promise me one thing.
If you detect the slightest
sign of dementia,
you will tell me.
I can't trust the flatterers.
I promise.
Now, Madam Prime Minister,
can I have this?
Thank you.
(MACHINE WHIRRING)
(TELEPHONE RINGING)
Yes?
-ZAMIR: I spoke to my friend.
-And?
Egyptian Airlines have moved
all their aircraft to Tripoli.
The party will begin today,
towards sundown.
Do you believe him?
Yes.
(SIGHS) Thank you.
(INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER)
-Right, sorry, madam.
-Sorry about that.
GOLDA: Marwan says the attack
will begin around sundown.
Soviet diplomats and their
families are leaving Egypt.
If he's right, we have
less than 12 hours to prepare.
Sadat detests the Russians.
It's not the first time
he's kicked them out.
The Egyptians
need the Russians
to operate the SAM missiles.
Unless they've
taught them which
buttons to press, of course.
DAYAN: Anything's possible.
Are the Russians
leaving Syria too?
I haven't heard anything.
Show them the photos, Benny.
We overflew the canal
last night.
ELAZAR: We've never seen
a build-up like it.
Tanks, artillery,
bridging equipment,
thousands of men.
DAYAN: I admit, the numbers,
it's enough
to give you a stroke.
Is the eavesdropping system
switched on?
Yes.
-What've you heard?
-Nothing.
DAYAN: We've got their
command lines tapped.
If Sadat had given
a signal for war,
we would have heard it.
When he breaks wind,
-I hear it first.
-(LAUGHS)
So you've seen the report
from London?
Marwan said the same in May.
Without long-range bombers,
any Egyptian attack will fail.
ELAZAR: Shazly's plan
is to cross the canal,
dig in under missile umbrella,
then bleed us to death.
They won't need
long-range bombers for that.
They also have a plan
to destroy our economy
by luring us to the front
again and again.
The Egyptians
and Syrians have nearly
a million men on our borders.
We must act.
ZEIRA: Come on. They mobilized
in similar numbers
twenty-two times
this year alone.
ELAZAR: The regulars can
hold the line for 48 hours,
but the reserves will need
three days to mobilize.
If the warning is accurate,
then we should have
mobilized yesterday.
-If, if!
-ELAZAR: We've been surprised.
We must attack now.
PELED: My boys are fueled up
and sitting in their cockpits.
Just give me the word
and I'll smash them.
I would not support
the first strike.
They have not even given
the signal for war.
What about
a partial mobilization?
Sixty thousand troops.
Any more will be seen
as an act of aggression.
-I need 200,000.
-Sixty thousand or 200,000,
what difference does it make?
You want to mobilize on
Yom Kippur, the holiest day?
The political fallout will
bring down the government.
Which is why it is
the perfect day to attack.
I suggest we mobilize
120,000 troops.
Better to be safe
than sorry, huh?
A hundred and twenty thousand
men is not enough.
-It is.
-It's not.
-It is.
-ELAZAR: It is not.
We'll be outnumbered
seven to one.
The decision has been made.
One hundred
and twenty thousand.
Thank you, gentlemen.
MAN: Did you trust
the Egyptian spy, Marwan?
I was worried that he might be
a double agent, of course,
but I... I trusted
the judgement of Zamir.
So why didn't you mobilize
your reserves on the 5th?
On the day that
he warned you of war?
Dayan wasn't losing any sleep.
And he knew the situation
in the north and the south.
Should I have
gone against him?
MAN: You are
the Prime Minister.
And an extra 24 hours
to prepare for war,
that might've
saved many lives.
Yes, well,
that's the question, isn't it?
GOLDA: Morning, dear.
(BIRDS' WINGS FLUTTERING)
(LIGHTER CLICKS)
(BIRDS SCREECHING)
(DOOR CLOSES)
GOLDA: I was
beginning to panic.
I made soup.
No, I'll have it later.
-It's both or neither.
-Okay.
Everywhere is shut.
I got this from the airport.
(GOLDA GROANS SOFTLY)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
-Ready?
-Hmm.
In my day, they stood
for the Prime Minister.
Where's your son?
Heading to the canal.
He's a tank driver
with Bren's division.
MAN 1: Say it's bullshit.
MAN 2: You can't.
You can't keep on moving money
from one account to another.
There's not the money
to fund the war.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER CONTINUES)
(BANGS TABLE)
(CHATTER STOPS)
Dado?
At 10:00 a.m., we began
mobilizing 120,000 troops,
including two
armored brigades.
A few minutes ago,
the Syrians began removing
the camouflage netting
from their guns.
(SCATTERED GASP AND CHATTER)
On the canal, the Egyptians
are cutting channels
through their sand barrier
in preparation for crossing.
(ALL EXCLAIM)
-When will the attacks start?
-ELAZAR: Towards sundown.
This is our best information.
It seems likely
that we've been surprised.
MAN: So how the hell
did this happen, Zeira, huh?
We gave you $100 million
for your damn
eavesdropping system.
And you promised us
seventy-two hours' notice
in case of an attack.
This is not
a court of inquiry.
And watch your language,
please.
(SIREN BLARING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(TELEPHONE RINGING)
Four hours early.
The Egyptians
are shelling across the canal.
Syrian jets are
bombing the Golan.
The Egyptians have fired
a Kelt cruise missile
at Tel Aviv.
I'm not going to get
under the table,
but don't let me stop you.
You all have a plan.
Go back to your ministries
and put it into effect
with calm precision.
Thank you, gentlemen.
Moshe,
we place our trust in you.
The Syrians are
the immediate threat.
I'll go up to the north
and command.
Go on television first.
Reassure the people.
(LIGHTER CLICKS)
Then teach our enemies
a lesson they'll never forget.
DAYAN: We will
crush their bones.
We will tear them
limb from limb.
(SIREN CONTINUES BLARING)
Get Kissinger on the phone.
(MAN SPEAKING ON TV,
IN HEBREW)
(KNOCKING AT DOOR)
Kissinger on line one.
(DOOR CLOSES)
(TV VOLUME REDUCING)
(TELEPHONE RINGING)
WOMAN: One moment, please.
He's picking up.
-(TELEPHONE RINGING)
-(SIGHS)
Hello?
-Mr. Secretary.
-Madam Prime Minister.
-I'm sorry to wake you, Henry.
-Not at all.
We've got trouble
with the neighbors again.
I'm sorry to hear that.
Uh, could I ask
who fired the first shot?
A first strike would have made
things much easier for us,
but I gave the President
my word.
-I appreciate that.
-We've been surprised, Henry.
And this time,
it won't be over in a week.
I'll start to apply
diplomatic pressure.
Please do.
But be clear on one point.
We will keep fighting
until every Egyptian soldier
has been driven back
across the canal.
They will gain nothing
by force.
If they want their land back,
they must recognize
the sovereign state of Israel.
I understand.
-Thank you, Henry.
-Good luck, Golda.
They'll help us, won't they?
If they get caught
sending us one bullet,
the Saudis will
cut off their oil.
-He wants us to win.
-But with a bloody nose.
That way, the Egyptians
will see him as a friend
and they'll
abandon the Soviets
because containing
the Russians,
that's all he cares about.
DAYAN: (ON TV)
The enemy's tanks have
penetrated our lines
and occupied several outposts.
(SIGHS)
We have suffered losses
in lives and territory.
That much is true.
What the hell is wrong
with him?
It is more or less
as we expected
of the first day of battle.
I cannot, and will not,
give exact numbers.
-Get me Medzini.
-All I can say...
I need a speech.
...is that this battle
will end in victory.
God help us all.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
ZEIRA: We overflew the canal
an hour ago.
The Egyptians have
ten operational bridges.
Two divisions have crossed
and are digging in
on the east bank.
And the Golan?
Syrian tanks are advancing
in their thousands.
We are trying our best,
but it's very, very serious.
Moshe.
How was that?
Fine. Fine.
Are you all right?
Yes. Of course.
Go to the Golan. See what's
happening, report back.
-Go.
-Yes.
(BELL RINGING)
MAN 1: 30 seconds,
Madam Prime Minister.
(TV INTRO PLAYING)
(MAN SPEAKING IN HEBREW)
Mmm-mmm.
Are you ready,
Prime Minister?
MAN 2: Four, three,
two...
Today... (CLEARS THROAT)
...around 2:00 p.m.,
the Egyptian and Syrian armies
launched an offensive
against Israel.
The enemy suffered
serious losses.
The rulers of Egypt and Syria
have long planned
a ceasefire violation.
In their cowardice,
the attackers spread the lie
that Israel opened fire first.
Our enemies hoped to surprise
the citizens of Israel
on Yom Kippur.
But we were not surprised.
For several days,
the Israeli intelligence
services have known
that the Egyptian
and Syrian armies
were preparing for
a combined attack.
We wholeheartedly
trust in the spirit
and power of the IDF
to defeat the enemy.
(SOLDIER SPEAKING OVER RADIO,
IN HEBREW)
(DISTANT EXPLOSIONS)
(EXPLOSIONS)
(LIEUTENANT SPEAKING IN HEBREW)
(COMMANDER SPEAKING IN HEBREW)
(EXPLOSIONS CONTINUE)
(SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING IN HEBREW)
(SOLDIER 3 SPEAKING IN HEBREW)
(SOLDIER 4 SPEAKING IN HEBREW)
(SOLDIER 5 SPEAKING IN HEBREW)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(RETCHING)
(LIGHTS CLICK)
(EXHALES)
We lost the north.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
It's Armageddon.
We lost the north.
I alerted Dimona.
The nuclear weapon.
-Yes, that's what I did.
-What?
You did what? Are you serious?
Get Dado up here now.
Come, Moshe.
DAYAN: This is
another Masada, Golda.
GOLDA: Come with me.
Come on. Come.
DAYAN: I saw it
with my own eyes. I swear.
(DOOR CLOSES)
We lost around 80, 100 tanks.
The whole division is gone.
Just gone.
In all sincerity
and friendship,
I offer you
my resignation, Golda.
(DAYAN BREATHING HEAVILY)
-I have failed.
-I need you on your feet.
Do you understand?
No more of this.
Go home. Wash your face.
And snap out of it.
Go!
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(EXHALES)
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
(SIGHS) What's going on?
Have you blown the bridges
over the Jordan?
How will the reserves
get up to the Golan
without the bridges?
GOLDA: He wants to arm
the nuclear weapon.
Has he gone mad?
Dayan...
Dayan is finished.
Take no orders from him.
You are in full command now.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
We had a terrible night.
The Syrians have
broken through
our lines with many tanks,
but for some reason,
they have not pressed forward.
Maybe they're short of fuel
or they don't have orders,
I don't know.
It's given us
a breathing space.
I've instructed the air force
to bring planes
from the south.
They have orders to attack
anything that moves.
The situation is difficult.
But the 679th
are fighting hard.
They're tough boys. They won't
let their country down.
Now, on the Egyptian front...
we have failed to stop
the enemy crossing the canal.
Our tanks arrived too late
and in too few numbers.
The Egyptians have brought up
mobile SAM missile launchers
and the air force
has been hit very hard.
How many Phantoms
have we lost?
-ELAZAR: Around 30.
-(SCATTERED GASP)
Fifty aircrew dead or missing.
GOLDA: And men?
Hundred and seventy for sure,
maybe more.
Most pressingly,
the strongpoints
are surrounded.
Approximately 600 soldiers,
most of them reservists,
are trapped.
-(RADIO CHATTER ECHOING)
-(GUNFIRE ECHOING)
MAN: Why weren't
they evacuated?
General Gonen told them
to fight to the end.
The Egyptians
are dug in across this line.
Gonen is preparing
a counterattack.
Sharon is head to the south.
The plan is to relieve
the strongpoints
and drive the Egyptians back
across the canal.
You'll rescue these boys.
-Golda.
-You're back.
-Anymore from your friend?
-He's in Cairo.
The Egyptians have
crossed the canal?
Dado is planning
a counterattack.
That is what
they're expecting.
We'll be walking into a trap.
But there are 400 kids
trapped in the fortresses.
The Egyptians will be waiting.
You must stop
this attack, Golda.
I do not make
the military decisions.
ZAMIR: But, Golda,
it will be suicidal!
I'm a politician,
not a soldier.
Golda, Golda.
Please, I can't...
(SIGHS)
GOLDA: What the hell
do you want from me?
(BREATH TREMBLING)
(GOLDA PANTING)
Golda!
Golda, are you all right?
Breathe, Golda.
Please, breathe.
Do you want to
drink something?
The enemy has tasted blood.
There is no reason
for them to stop now.
This is 1948 again.
We are fighting for our lives.
If the Americans
throw us to the dogs,
and the Arabs reach Tel Aviv,
I will not be taken alive.
And you are to
make sure of that.
The Americans,
they won't let us down.
(HELICOPTER FLIES PAST)
Why not?
Because you won't
let it happen.
Sorry, but
you're not dead yet.
(CHUCKLES)
Hmm. Alive and kicking.
(DOOR SLAMS)
(WINGS FLUTTERING)
(BIRD SQUAWKING)
(INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER)
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)
GOLDA: What is this
we're hearing?
Our troops on the canal.
They're surrounded.
These are the fortifications
where the boys are trapped.
Bren and his
tank division will
push forward
across this plain,
smash through
the Egyptian line
and relieve the strongpoints.
The counterattack is starting.
(POWERING UP)
(SOLDIER SPEAKING OVER RADIO,
IN HEBREW)
-(ROCKET WHISTLING OVER RADIO)
-(EXPLOSIONS OVER RADIO)
(SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 3 AND
SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING)
(ROCKET WHISTLING)
(SOLDIER 4 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 2 AND
SOLDIER 5 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 5 AND
SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 3 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 5 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 3 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 3 SPEAKING)
(ROCKET WHISTLING, EXPLOSIONS
CONTINUE OVER RADIO)
(COMMANDER SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING)
(COMMANDER SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 6 SPEAKING)
(COMMANDER SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 5 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 7 SPEAKING)
-(EXPLOSIONS CONTINUE)
-(SOLDIERS SCREAMING)
(COMMANDER SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 8 SPEAKING)
(EXPLOSION)
(LOUD EXPLOSION OVER RADIO)
-(BREATH TREMBLING)
-(RADIO STATIC)
(GUNFIRE OVER RADIO)
(SOLDIERS SCREAMING
OVER RADIO)
(ARAB SOLDIER
SPEAKING IN ARABIC)
(BREATH TREMBLING)
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
(LIGHTER CLICKS)
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
(CLOCK TICKING)
-(EXPLOSIONS ECHOING)
-(VOICES ECHOING)
(MAN'S SCREAM ECHOING)
-(ECHOING VOICES CONTINUE)
-(BIRD SQUAWKING ECHOING)
(PANICKED SHOUTING ECHOING)
(MEN SCREAMING ECHOING)
(GASPS)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
anxiety talking, Golda.
Come on, I'll make us
some more coffee, all right?
How are you?
-Fine.
-You coming in?
I need you.
(DAYAN GRUNTS SOFTLY)
I'll be there.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(DOOR CLOSES)
Come, Moshe. Sit.
I lost another 13 Phantoms
and nine Skyhawks.
-(EXPLOSION ECHOING)
-Eleven pilots dead.
At this rate,
three, maybe four more days
and I'm out of the fight.
(EXPLOSION ECHOING)
GOLDA: What happened to Sharon
and his flanking attack?
He drove around the desert
all afternoon
with 30 photographers in tow.
-He didn't fire a shot.
-That man.
And Bren?
ELAZAR: His division
is virtually destroyed.
We still have, er, 400 boys
trapped in the fortresses
along the canal.
We're working on
a new rescue plan.
-The Egyptians know that.
-No one left behind.
-It's a trap.
-No one left behind, Zvika!
What is the point
of risking more lives?
Let's be honest
with ourselves.
If we sent a rescue mission,
its purpose would be
to save our reputation
as much as save those boys.
So, what are our options?
Sharon wants
to cross the canal
and cut them off
from the rear.
Would that work?
The Egyptians have
two divisions
on the west bank
lying in wait.
He'd be wiped out.
What's the position
on the Golan?
(SIGHS) We pushed them back
to the ceasefire line.
The Syrians are
close to collapse.
Can you push them
back further,
towards Damascus?
If we could panic Assad,
he will put pressure on Sadat
to attack again.
Exposing his tanks
in open country.
Dado, what do you think?
The Egyptians are well dug in.
They'll not leave
their positions.
-Sadat got his victory.
-Yes.
But...
does he know it?
I want you to bomb
the outskirts of Damascus,
Benny.
-Get Assad really mad.
-I'll need more planes.
Get Kissinger
on the phone, please.
Cheer up, Moshe.
-Things could be worse.
-DAYAN: How?
-You could have my feet.
-(LAUGHS)
KISSINGER: (OVER PHONE)
I understand,
but the President
is in a difficult position.
The winter is coming.
If the Saudis...
GOLDA: The Russians have
started a massive airlift.
We're seeing planes streaming
into Cairo and Damascus.
We have lost 500 tanks
and one third
of the air force.
Five hundred?
Yes. And 30 Phantoms.
I could have launched
a pre-emptive strike
but I didn't,
to save your blushes.
That decision cost us dearly.
Watergate is sweeping
through Washington
like a firestorm, Golda.
Nixon is a lame duck.
-But you're not.
-(KISSINGER SIGHS)
Golda...
Would it help
if I came to Washington?
You want to fly here?
During a war?
Yes.
Golda,
that would cause problems.
The Jewish community here
would be alarmed.
Hmm! No doubt.
If the Arabs defeat us
with Soviet weapons,
what message does that send
to the Free World, Henry?
(SIGHS)
I have some Phantoms for you.
(EXHALES)
Thank you.
Goodnight, Golda.
-(KETTLE WHISTLING)
-Israel simply can't wait...
for, uh, the dust to settle.
And the Arabs can't wait
for the dust to settle
in the Mid-East.
Uh, both sides are at fault.
Both sides need to
start negotiating.
That is our position.
We're not pro-Israel
and we're not pro-Arab.
And we're not any more
pro-Arab because they have oil
and Israel hasn't.
We are pro-peace.
And it's the interest
of the whole area
for us to get those
negotiations off dead center
and that is why
-we will use our influence...
-(DOORBELL RINGS)
...with Israel,
and we will use our influence,
what influence we have,
with the various
Arab states...
It will be 5:30. 5:30.
Hmm.
-Yes.
-General Sharon,
it's an honor.
(SHARON GRUMBLES)
These pictures were taken
three hours ago
by one of my scouts
in the canal.
We've found a gap
in the Egyptian line, here.
Just north of
the Great Bitter Lake.
The Second Egyptian Army
is here, to the north.
The Third Army,
here to the south.
In the middle,
the canal is unprotected.
I have motorized rafts
big enough to carry tanks.
I could have 50 tanks
on the west bank before dawn.
I push north, spreading panic.
-Who would like coffee? Hmm.
-Thank you.
GOLDA: Um,
forgive my ignorance.
What do these symbols mean?
The 4th and the 21st
Egyptian Divisions.
They're on the west bank
of the canal waiting to cross.
Yes. I remember.
So, Arik.
You want to cross the canal
with 50 tanks and 2,000 men
and take on two divisions.
I believe that's 600 tanks
and 30,000 men.
-Is that your plan?
-We are losing men.
-(TELEPHONE RINGING)
-Every day, we are losing men
and machines without
improving our position.
Dado,
would a crossing succeed?
-I doubt it.
-(LIGHTER CLICKS)
And it might
lead to catastrophe.
For God's sake.
Moshe, say something.
DAYAN: Nobody doubts
your bravery, Arik,
but Dado is right.
If you crossed,
you'd be destroyed.
There would be no one left
to stop the Arabs.
No, no! We must attack now.
ZAMIR: I have news.
The Egyptians will renew their
offensive in two days' time.
The 4th and the 21st Division
will cross the canal
and join the attack.
If they crossed,
Cairo will be undefended.
No one could be that stupid.
The Egyptians are about
to make a terrible mistake.
I suggest we let them make it.
It would seem
a ridiculous decision.
No. I don't think so.
Sadat is the first Arab leader
to defeat the Jews in battle.
So he's feeling euphoric.
Invincible.
Do you think a few sand dunes
along the Suez Canal
will seem enough
when the gates of Jerusalem
are beckoning?
Knowing when you've lost
is easy.
It's knowing when you've won
that's hard. Hmm!
We'll wait for them to cross.
-Thank you, gentlemen.
-ELAZAR: Mmm-hmm.
Arik.
You'll get your chance.
And for that, they will
make you Prime Minister.
Just remember, all political
careers end in failure.
-Hmm!
-(CAR ENGINE STARTS)
(SHARON SIGHS)
(WATER SPLASHING)
I won't be here for long.
You take care of yourself.
This is not me talking to you
as your boss.
You're family to me.
You understand me?
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(MAN SPEAKING ON TV,
IN HEBREW)
Shir's son is missing.
(GOLDA SIGHS)
I'll speak to her.
No, no. Not now.
-The meeting is starting.
-(SIGHS)
Go. I'll talk to her.
Thank you.
(MAN CONTINUES IN HEBREW
ON TV)
(SOBBING)
the canal at dawn.
As you can see, the Egyptian
tanks are on the bridges.
The Egyptians are crossing.
Cairo is undefended.
We are hearing it all
on the listening system.
They will attack tomorrow.
Haim, are you ready?
We will be.
GOLDA: When they attack,
smash them. Good luck.
HAIM: Thank you.
Marwan was right.
Well done, Zvika.
(AIRPLANES APPROACHING)
WOMAN: The American convoy
is here.
(AIRPLANES RUMBLING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER ON RADIO)
ELAZAR: The Egyptians
are falling right into our trap.
They're crossing the plain
in front of the canal.
Our tanks are dug in
on this little ridge,
on the top
of this little ridge.
From below, you can only see
the turret and the gun.
Very hard to hit. Very hard.
I've reinforced
Bren's division
with tanks from
the Jordan border.
They're old and slow but
their guns are very accurate.
(COMMANDER SPEAKING OVER RADIO,
IN HEBREW)
(SOLDIER 1 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING)
(COMMANDER SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 3 SPEAKING)
(COMMANDER SPEAKING)
(EXPLOSIONS)
(EXPLOSIONS CONTINUE)
(SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 4 SPEAKING)
(COMMANDER SPEAKING)
(VOICE ECHOING)
(SOLDIER 5 SPEAKING)
(COMMANDER SPEAKING)
(EXPLOSIONS CONTINUE)
-(ECHOING STOPS)
-(SCATTERED CLAPPING)
they've had enough.
GOLDA: Hmm.
Well done, everybody. (CLAPS)
We've destroyed them.
DAYAN:
They'll not attack again,
but crossing the canal
will not be easy.
The crossing
is only possible here,
in the area
called the Chinese Farm,
and it's only
two kilometers wide.
When the Arabs realize
what's going on,
the jaws will snap shut
like a crocodile
and we'll be the ones cut off.
We're in the best position
we've been in
since the fighting began.
I think we should
think seriously
about accepting a ceasefire.
We are facing
an unholy alliance
between the Soviets
and the Arabs
that must be defeated.
If our enemies
stop fearing us,
they will attack again
and again and again.
This war cannot end
with Sadat on the east bank.
Can Sharon get his tanks
across the canal?
Moshe,
what does your gut tell you?
DAYAN: To cross.
-Oh!
-Golda.
I'm all right. (COUGHING)
WOMAN: Prime Minister,
the crossing has started.
(COMMANDER SPEAKING OVER RADIO,
IN HEBREW)
(SOLDIER 1 SPEAKING)
what is happening?
Sharon is now crossing
the canal with rubber boats.
Uh, he has to fight to keep
the, uh, bridgehead open.
Chinese Farm.
(SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING)
(COMMANDER SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 1 SPEAKING)
We're in Africa, Golda.
We're in Egypt.
MAN: Bravo, guys. Well done.
(BEEPING)
(GUNFIRE OVER RADIO)
They're engaging.
(SOLDIER 1 SPEAKING)
They're being engaged.
Large arms.
They're hitting us.
They're hitting us
with large arms.
I'm getting reports of
a counterattack on our forces.
There is fire directly
at Chinese Farm.
Casualties.
A lot of casualties.
(SOLDIER 1 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING)
184, what is going on?
ELAZAR: (OVER RADIO)
Sorry, we're ambushed.
It doesn't sound good.
(GUNFIRE CONTINUES OVER RADIO)
(SOLDIER 1 SPEAKING)
(RADIO STATIC)
(GOLDA EXHALES)
(SOLDIER 3 SPEAKING)
(BREATH TREMBLING)
(SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 3 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 1 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 3 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 1 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 1 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING)
(EXPLOSIONS OVER RADIO)
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
What's the news?
(SIGHS) There's heavy fighting
around Chinese Farm.
But the bridgehead is secure.
Sharon has 30 tanks
on the west bank.
We're building
a pontoon bridge.
Bren's division
should cross soon.
Well done. And the casualties?
Three hundred dead.
And more to come.
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
(RAIN PATTERING)
(CLOCK TICKING)
(GASPS)
(TELEPHONE RINGING)
Hello?
(MAN SPEAKING IN HEBREW)
(STATIC CRACKLING)
(TELEPHONE RINGING)
(STATIC CONTINUES CRACKLING)
(MAN CONTINUES SPEAKING
IN HEBREW)
(MAN CONTINUES IN HEBREW)
Who's there?
Who's there?
(TELEPHONE RINGING ECHOING)
(MAN SPEAKING IN HEBREW
ECHOING)
Who is this?
(MAN SHOUTING IN HEBREW
ECHOING)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(TELEPHONE RINGING ECHOING)
-(GUNFIRE ECHOING)
-(SCREAMING ECHOING)
(MAN SHOUTING IN HEBREW
ECHOING)
(SHOUTING CONTINUES ECHOING)
(TELEPHONE RINGING
CONTINUES ECHOING)
Stop! Stop!
(GUNFIRE ECHOING)
(MAN SHOUTING IN HEBREW
ECHOING)
(SCREAMING)
(SOBBING)
(NOISES STOP)
MAN: Do you know
how many people died
because of that crossing?
On the 14th?
Seven hundred dead or missing.
-(TYPEWRITER CLACKING)
-Approximately 2,000 wounded.
And some 300 prisoners.
I counted them all,
Mr. Chairman.
Every one of them.
Trust me.
(SIGHS)
Dado, where are we?
Bren wants to cut Suez
from the Cairo road
somewhere near here.
Kilometer 101.
You mean the entire Third Army
would be cut off?
Yes.
There's no water
on the east bank.
They wouldn't last long.
GOLDA: We'd have Sadat
by the throat.
He'll have to negotiate.
How many men
in the Third Army?
About 30,000.
You'd have me create an army
of widows and orphans.
Are you prepared to do that?
(KNOCKING AT DOOR)
The world must believe
that I am.
-Prime Minister?
-GOLDA: Hmm.
REPORTER: Henry Kissinger's
presidential jet
landed at
Lod International Airport
in Tel Aviv
late this afternoon.
Kissinger was greeted
at the airport
by a small delegation
of officials
before getting into
a waiting car
and was driven to meet
with Israeli Prime Minister,
Golda Meir.
The meeting took place
at Meir's house in Tel Aviv.
And they are sure to discuss
a ceasefire agreement
between Israel
and its Arab neighbors.
Welcome to Israel,
Mr. Secretary.
Thank you,
Madam Prime Minister.
So this is General Elazar,
-our Chief of Staff.
-General Elazar.
General Zeira,
Head of Military Intelligence.
-Pleased to meet you.
-Zvi Zamir, Head of Mossad.
And, of course, Moshe Dayan.
-Hello, Moshe.
-Minister of Defense.
Oh.
-Thank you for coming, Henry.
-Of course.
-Are you hungry?
-No, thank you.
My housekeeper, Leah,
made some borscht.
-No, no. Please, uh...
-(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
...the Russians gave me
two huge dinners last night,
one after the other.
And to be honest I'm feeling
a bit, uh, uncomfortable.
Ah, those Russians.
It's all about strategy.
Come, sit.
You know, they jammed
the communication equipment
on my plane.
Hmm, of course.
Those Russians.
They brought nothing
but misery to the world.
Normally,
I would agree with you.
Of course, there is Tolstoy.
Hmm! And Dostoyevsky.
-Misery on every page.
-(BOTH CHUCKLE)
No, please. Thank you.
(SOFTLY) You will have to
eat it, Henry.
She's a survivor.
Ah. Hmm.
Enjoy.
Hmm.
(SLURPS)
Mmm, it's very good. Thank you.
(KISSINGER COUGHING)
Thank you, Leah.
Madam Prime Minister,
in terms of our work together,
I think it's important
that you remember
that I am first an American,
second,
I am Secretary of State,
and third, I am a Jew.
You forget that in Israel,
we read from right to left.
(GOLDA CHUCKLES)
-Of course.
-(COUGHING)
-Are you okay?
-(COUGHS) Sorry.
You look tired.
It's been
a tough time for you.
We came this close
to defeat, Henry.
KISSINGER: Hmm.
(SIGHS)
President Nixon
sends his regards.
When he drinks,
he talks about you.
My name must be
on his lips all the time.
(BOTH LAUGHING)
Golda, OPEC has declared
the United States
a principal hostile nation.
The Saudis have
cut off our oil
and crude has jumped from
four dollars a barrel
to 12, so...
You can see that
the American people
will pay a high price
for supporting Israel.
Which is why we need
the ceasefire agreement.
(CLICKS TONGUE)
Well, first things first.
Here is a list
of every prisoner of war.
We have taken some 9,000 men.
Not that Assad or Sadat
care less about their men.
I want a list
of every prisoner of war,
a date for their return
and the return of the bodies.
Brezhnev assures me
he will talk to Sadat.
I need a guarantee, Henry.
And one from Assad.
He's the worst.
Fingernails torn out.
Our boys come home in pieces.
This country is traumatized.
My generals are begging me
to occupy Cairo.
Sharon is like a dog
on the leash.
If you do that,
you will be on your own.
Israel's long-term interests
will not be served
by a fracturing
of our relationship, Golda.
Sadat has already agreed
to the terms of the ceasefire.
Of course, he has!
He's on the brink of defeat!
It will give him a chance
to regroup.
You are the only person
in the world
who could possibly understand
what I'm going through.
Yes, I know how you feel,
but we need a ceasefire.
I thought we were friends,
Henry.
We will always protect Israel.
Like you did in '48?
We had to get our weapons
from Stalin. Stalin!
Our survival
is not in your gift.
If we have to,
we will fight alone.
I'm, uh, stopping in London
for a few hours
on the way home.
I should arrive in Washington
around 9:00 a.m.
in the morning tomorrow,
your time.
At which time I will have to
announce the ceasefire.
That will give you
18 hours to...
secure your supply line.
But I warn you, Golda.
Any attempt to encircle
the Third Army
will bring the Soviets
into the conflict,
-do you understand?
-I understand.
On that basis, does Israel
agree to the ceasefire?
I have 18 hours.
Then, yes.
Thank you for the borscht.
Good luck, Golda.
(DOOR CLOSES)
(HONKING)
(MACHINE POWERING UP)
Golda,
they want to see your face.
(GOLDA SIGHS)
(WEAKLY) Well, they have to
do it without my face.
No. This is not possible.
Come on.
-No.
-(SIGHS)
Golda, I'm sorry, but I have
to get you out of this bed.
(GOLDA GROANS SOFTLY)
One, two, three.
I can't, I... No.
No. It hurts.
-I know it hurts.
-It hurts.
I know. I'll help you.
I promised I would put you
in this helicopter. Come on.
(GOLDA GROANING)
All right. You give them hope.
They need to see your face.
(REPORTER SPEAKING IN HEBREW)
(HELICOPTER WHIRRING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(MAN 1 AND MAN 2 SPEAKING)
(MAN 2 AND MAN 1 SPEAKING)
(REPORTER SPEAKING)
(MAN 1 AND MAN 2 SPEAKING)
(COMMANDER SPEAKING)
We are, by our logic,
and it seems to me that logic,
if one can say that logic
makes sense,
dictates that
we stand like this
and they stand here
and we stand there
and they stand there
and we stand here
and everything is confused.
Oh, thank you.
Fine. No, so let's say then
that there is still no peace.
But until then...
(SOLDIERS LAUGHING)
This is luxury.
What a treat.
This is nepotism!
(SOLDIERS LAUGHING)
-Cheers to you all.
-SOLDIERS: L'chaim!
(REPORTER SPEAKING)
(CHEERING)
I've just got the news that Bren
has cut the Suez
to Cairo road.
The Egyptian Third Army
is completely surrounded.
(KNOCKING AT DOOR)
Secretary Kissinger
is on the line.
-(TELEPHONE RINGING)
-You've got Sadat
by the throat, Golda.
Mr. Secretary?
You are to open
a humanitarian corridor
to the Third Army, Golda.
We cannot allow 30,000 men
to die of thirst.
We'll send them water when
we've got our prisoners back.
I will try to arrange...
And Sadat agrees
to direct talks with Israel.
Not the "Zionist Entity."
Israel.
That would be tantamount
to recognition.
-Yes.
-He will never agree to that.
The Arab world
would turn against him.
If he doesn't, I will
order my planes to attack.
All those men will die.
All of them.
Destruction of the Third Army
would force Sadat from power.
He'd be hanged
in Tahrir Square.
Well, that thought
should focus his mind.
And he would be replaced
by a Soviet hardliner.
You know this as well as I do.
You mean a madman bent on
the destruction of Israel?
The Russians are
on high alert.
They are preparing
11 airborne divisions.
-Do you understand?
-You think I don't know that?
Let me tell you
about the Russians, Henry.
When I was a child in Ukraine,
at Christmas time, my father
would board up the windows
-of our house...
-Golda.
...to protect us from Cossacks
who would get drunk
and attack Jews.
They would beat Jews to death
in the street for fun.
My father would hide us
in the cellar.
And we'd stay silent,
hoping the killers
would pass us by.
My father's face, Henry.
I will never forget that look.
All he wanted was
to protect his children.
I am not that little girl
hiding in the cellar!
So, now you're going to fight
with the Russians too, huh?
You must choose, Henry.
Side with me or I will create
an army of orphans and widows.
-This is not the way to...
-I will slaughter them all.
Whose side are you on?
-You must choose.
-Golda.
Please think about it.
Goodbye, Mr. Secretary.
(EXHALES SHAKILY)
(COUGHING)
-(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
-(CONTINUES COUGHING)
(CONTINUES COUGHING)
(GOLDA SIGHS)
(BREATHES DEEPLY)
(CLOCK TICKING)
(TELEPHONE RINGING)
GOLDA: Mr. Secretary?
KISSINGER: Sadat wants you
to send your Chief of Staff
to a junction
on the Suez-Cairo road.
Kilometer 101. Do you know it?
We took it
a few days ago. When?
-At dawn.
-And... the Russians?
They're watching.
-Good luck, Golda.
-Thank you, Henry.
(REPORTER SPEAKING IN HEBREW)
(CLOCK TICKING)
(TELEPHONE RINGING)
DADO: (OVER PHONE)
Can you hear me?
GOLDA: Yes, Dado. Speak up.
I have a message from Sadat.
He's offering direct talks.
And an exchange of POWs.
He has given the Red Cross
a list of names.
He referred to you
as the Prime Minister
of Israel, Golda.
He used that word, "Israel"?
Yes. Israel.
He's recognizing Israel.
Tell General Gamasy
that we welcome
President Sadat's kind words.
(GOLDA SIGHS IN RELIEF)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Well done, Golda.
Thank you.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)
Excuse me.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION
CONTINUES)
I know that look.
It wasn't switched on.
The bugging system.
That's why
military intelligence
didn't hear
the signal for war.
This cannot be true.
Zeira switched it on
for a few hours
on Thursday the 4th,
but that was a technical test.
None of the lines
were monitored.
It was then switched off again
until Saturday the 6th.
-The morning war broke out.
-No.
Zeira intercepted a cable
from the Iraqis
to the Russians
telling them that war
was about to begin.
-But he kept it to himself.
-Why?
Who likes to be wrong?
The listening system
must be kept secret.
No one must know about this.
You will take the blame?
I will defend your memory.
I promise you that.
(KNOCKING AT DOOR)
(GOLDA GASPS)
(GOLDA GROANS SOFTLY)
Golda, look at that.
(TYPEWRITERS CLACKING)
(TYPEWRITER BELL DINGS)
(SHIR SOBBING)
-(TYPEWRITERS STOP CLACKING)
-(EXHALES)
(CRYING)
(CONTINUES CRYING)
-(SHIR YELLS)
-(PAPER CRUMPLING)
(SHIR CONTINUES CRYING)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(LIGHTER CLICKS)
(EXHALES SHAKILY)
(SOLDIER SHOUTING
INDISTINCTLY)
Come on, Golda.
You can't stay here all night.
It's cold. Come home.
(CAR ENGINE STARTS)
Thank you,
Madam Prime Minister.
That will be all.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
My gut told me
that war was coming.
But I ignored it.
I should've mobilized
that night.
All those boys who died,
I will carry the pain of that
to my grave.
(TYPEWRITER CLACKING)
Please, don't write that down.
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
WOMAN: (ON TV)
Good evening, everyone.
This is Laura Stein
in Washington.
Exactly one year ago today
marks the first time former
Prime Minister, Golda Meir,
met Egyptian President
Anwar Sadat face to face.
Let's look back
at this monumental moment
that shaped the peace treaty
between Israel and Egypt
that will be signed
later today.
GOLDA: When asked
many years ago...
(MONITOR BEEPING)
...when do I think
peace will come,
I said, "The date,
I do not know.
"But I know under what
conditions it will come.
"There will be a great leader.
"He will wake up one morning
"and feel sorry
for his own people,
"for his own sons
that have fallen in battle.
"That day will be
the beginning
"of peace
between us and them."
Mr. President,
you call for peace,
and I believe in
your sincere desire for peace
as I hope that you believe
in the sincere desire
on our part for peace.
Then let us go on.
Let us at least
conclude one thing.
The beginning that you have
made with such courage
and with such hope for peace,
let us decide one thing.
It must go on face to face,
between us and between you.
So that even an old lady like
I am will live to see the day.
(SADAT LAUGHS)
You always call me
an old lady, Mr. President.
(ALL LAUGHING)
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)
We will live to see the day
whoever signs
on the part of Israel,
I want to live
to see that day.
And, Mr. President,
as a grandmother
to a grandfather...
(ALL LAUGHING)
(CROWD APPLAUDING)
...may I give you
a little present
for the new granddaughter?
And thank you for your present
that you have given me.
(CROWD APPLAUDING)
(OXYGEN MASK
DROPS TO THE FLOOR)
(FOLK SONG PLAYING)
SADAT: Let us have no war
after October.
BEGIN: No more war,
no more bloodshed.
(PROJECTOR WHIRRING)
MAN 1: While there is a rattle
of gunfire in the Holy Land,
there is cheering
in Washington
and Hebrew dances of joy
for a Jewish homeland
that has been reborn.
(CHEERING)
Haganah troops
search for Arabs
after capturing the city.
(OVERLAPPING VOICES)
MAN 2: More than
4,000 Palestinians
have been forced
to flee their homes.
Their journey as refugees
has just started.
MAN 3: Intensive diplomatic
negotiations on the Mid-East
continue today in Washington
as Israel's Prime Minister,
Golda Meir,
met with President Nixon
at the White House
for 80 minutes.
NIXON: It's a very great
privilege for me,
speaking on behalf
of the American people...
I had no prior knowledge
of the Watergate break-in.
(SPEAKING ARABIC)
(PROJECTOR STOPS)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(DISTANT SHOUTING)
(SHOUTING CONTINUES)
(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)
MAN: Good morning,
Madam Prime Minister.
Good morning.
(COUGHING)
MAN: Please swear.
I swear to tell the truth,
the whole truth,
knowing that I will be
subject to punishment
provided by law if I do not.
(OPENS BAG)
(CLOSES BAG)
-MAN: Madam Prime Minister.
-(TYPEWRITER CLACKING)
Let us begin with
October the 5th, 1973.
(MOONLIGHT SONATA
BY BEETHOVEN PLAYING ON PIANO)
Yes!
(TELEPHONE RINGING)
Use the fingering
I showed you.
East Finchley School,
Mrs. Epstein speaking.
MAN: (OVER TELEPHONE)
This is the Chemist.
This is the Postmistress.
Go ahead.
Zinc. Cadmium.
Chlorine. Hydrogen.
(TELEPHONE RINGING)
-Hello?
-This is the Postmistress.
This is the Baker. Go ahead.
Zinc. Cadmium.
Chlorine. Hydrogen.
(INDISTINCT SHOUTING ON TV)
GOLDA: Put out a statement
expressing my disappointment
at the Austrian capitulation
to the terrorists.
Disappointment,
or maybe frustration?
Yes, frustration.
That's better.
-Zvika.
-Prime Minister.
To what do I owe the pleasure?
I heard from my spy,
the Chemist.
He wants to meet tonight.
He's warning of war.
As he did in May.
The warning was accurate.
He cried wolf.
That's how it was perceived.
Why do you trust this man?
He knows everything
and he says war is coming.
Yeah, well, of course,
war is coming, but when?
Without Dayan's support,
there can be no mobilization
and he is unconvinced
that the threat is imminent.
If he resigns,
the government falls.
It's that simple.
And then the Arabs
will most certainly attack.
What does your gut tell you?
My gut is none of
your business.
But...
Hmm.
You're right.
There is something.
Ask the Chemist for a date,
a document,
something concrete
I can work with.
I think I'll stay in Tel-Aviv
with my son over Kippur.
After your meeting,
call me on the secure line.
(MAN SPEAKING ON RADIO,
IN HEBREW)
No one saw you enter,
Madam Prime Minister.
-GOLDA: Mmm-hmm.
-It's all clear.
-Madam Prime Minister.
-Dr. Rosenfeld.
I can't see any new growth.
The cobalt radiation
appears to be working.
But the cigarettes
and the black coffee...
You're making my job
much harder.
And you mine. (CHUCKLING)
Could you manage
another treatment?
-Do I have a choice?
-Not really.
This lymphoma is aggressive.
Make sure she eats
and takes her medication.
I want you
to promise me one thing.
If you detect the slightest
sign of dementia,
you will tell me.
I can't trust the flatterers.
I promise.
Now, Madam Prime Minister,
can I have this?
Thank you.
(MACHINE WHIRRING)
(TELEPHONE RINGING)
Yes?
-ZAMIR: I spoke to my friend.
-And?
Egyptian Airlines have moved
all their aircraft to Tripoli.
The party will begin today,
towards sundown.
Do you believe him?
Yes.
(SIGHS) Thank you.
(INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER)
-Right, sorry, madam.
-Sorry about that.
GOLDA: Marwan says the attack
will begin around sundown.
Soviet diplomats and their
families are leaving Egypt.
If he's right, we have
less than 12 hours to prepare.
Sadat detests the Russians.
It's not the first time
he's kicked them out.
The Egyptians
need the Russians
to operate the SAM missiles.
Unless they've
taught them which
buttons to press, of course.
DAYAN: Anything's possible.
Are the Russians
leaving Syria too?
I haven't heard anything.
Show them the photos, Benny.
We overflew the canal
last night.
ELAZAR: We've never seen
a build-up like it.
Tanks, artillery,
bridging equipment,
thousands of men.
DAYAN: I admit, the numbers,
it's enough
to give you a stroke.
Is the eavesdropping system
switched on?
Yes.
-What've you heard?
-Nothing.
DAYAN: We've got their
command lines tapped.
If Sadat had given
a signal for war,
we would have heard it.
When he breaks wind,
-I hear it first.
-(LAUGHS)
So you've seen the report
from London?
Marwan said the same in May.
Without long-range bombers,
any Egyptian attack will fail.
ELAZAR: Shazly's plan
is to cross the canal,
dig in under missile umbrella,
then bleed us to death.
They won't need
long-range bombers for that.
They also have a plan
to destroy our economy
by luring us to the front
again and again.
The Egyptians
and Syrians have nearly
a million men on our borders.
We must act.
ZEIRA: Come on. They mobilized
in similar numbers
twenty-two times
this year alone.
ELAZAR: The regulars can
hold the line for 48 hours,
but the reserves will need
three days to mobilize.
If the warning is accurate,
then we should have
mobilized yesterday.
-If, if!
-ELAZAR: We've been surprised.
We must attack now.
PELED: My boys are fueled up
and sitting in their cockpits.
Just give me the word
and I'll smash them.
I would not support
the first strike.
They have not even given
the signal for war.
What about
a partial mobilization?
Sixty thousand troops.
Any more will be seen
as an act of aggression.
-I need 200,000.
-Sixty thousand or 200,000,
what difference does it make?
You want to mobilize on
Yom Kippur, the holiest day?
The political fallout will
bring down the government.
Which is why it is
the perfect day to attack.
I suggest we mobilize
120,000 troops.
Better to be safe
than sorry, huh?
A hundred and twenty thousand
men is not enough.
-It is.
-It's not.
-It is.
-ELAZAR: It is not.
We'll be outnumbered
seven to one.
The decision has been made.
One hundred
and twenty thousand.
Thank you, gentlemen.
MAN: Did you trust
the Egyptian spy, Marwan?
I was worried that he might be
a double agent, of course,
but I... I trusted
the judgement of Zamir.
So why didn't you mobilize
your reserves on the 5th?
On the day that
he warned you of war?
Dayan wasn't losing any sleep.
And he knew the situation
in the north and the south.
Should I have
gone against him?
MAN: You are
the Prime Minister.
And an extra 24 hours
to prepare for war,
that might've
saved many lives.
Yes, well,
that's the question, isn't it?
GOLDA: Morning, dear.
(BIRDS' WINGS FLUTTERING)
(LIGHTER CLICKS)
(BIRDS SCREECHING)
(DOOR CLOSES)
GOLDA: I was
beginning to panic.
I made soup.
No, I'll have it later.
-It's both or neither.
-Okay.
Everywhere is shut.
I got this from the airport.
(GOLDA GROANS SOFTLY)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
-Ready?
-Hmm.
In my day, they stood
for the Prime Minister.
Where's your son?
Heading to the canal.
He's a tank driver
with Bren's division.
MAN 1: Say it's bullshit.
MAN 2: You can't.
You can't keep on moving money
from one account to another.
There's not the money
to fund the war.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER CONTINUES)
(BANGS TABLE)
(CHATTER STOPS)
Dado?
At 10:00 a.m., we began
mobilizing 120,000 troops,
including two
armored brigades.
A few minutes ago,
the Syrians began removing
the camouflage netting
from their guns.
(SCATTERED GASP AND CHATTER)
On the canal, the Egyptians
are cutting channels
through their sand barrier
in preparation for crossing.
(ALL EXCLAIM)
-When will the attacks start?
-ELAZAR: Towards sundown.
This is our best information.
It seems likely
that we've been surprised.
MAN: So how the hell
did this happen, Zeira, huh?
We gave you $100 million
for your damn
eavesdropping system.
And you promised us
seventy-two hours' notice
in case of an attack.
This is not
a court of inquiry.
And watch your language,
please.
(SIREN BLARING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(TELEPHONE RINGING)
Four hours early.
The Egyptians
are shelling across the canal.
Syrian jets are
bombing the Golan.
The Egyptians have fired
a Kelt cruise missile
at Tel Aviv.
I'm not going to get
under the table,
but don't let me stop you.
You all have a plan.
Go back to your ministries
and put it into effect
with calm precision.
Thank you, gentlemen.
Moshe,
we place our trust in you.
The Syrians are
the immediate threat.
I'll go up to the north
and command.
Go on television first.
Reassure the people.
(LIGHTER CLICKS)
Then teach our enemies
a lesson they'll never forget.
DAYAN: We will
crush their bones.
We will tear them
limb from limb.
(SIREN CONTINUES BLARING)
Get Kissinger on the phone.
(MAN SPEAKING ON TV,
IN HEBREW)
(KNOCKING AT DOOR)
Kissinger on line one.
(DOOR CLOSES)
(TV VOLUME REDUCING)
(TELEPHONE RINGING)
WOMAN: One moment, please.
He's picking up.
-(TELEPHONE RINGING)
-(SIGHS)
Hello?
-Mr. Secretary.
-Madam Prime Minister.
-I'm sorry to wake you, Henry.
-Not at all.
We've got trouble
with the neighbors again.
I'm sorry to hear that.
Uh, could I ask
who fired the first shot?
A first strike would have made
things much easier for us,
but I gave the President
my word.
-I appreciate that.
-We've been surprised, Henry.
And this time,
it won't be over in a week.
I'll start to apply
diplomatic pressure.
Please do.
But be clear on one point.
We will keep fighting
until every Egyptian soldier
has been driven back
across the canal.
They will gain nothing
by force.
If they want their land back,
they must recognize
the sovereign state of Israel.
I understand.
-Thank you, Henry.
-Good luck, Golda.
They'll help us, won't they?
If they get caught
sending us one bullet,
the Saudis will
cut off their oil.
-He wants us to win.
-But with a bloody nose.
That way, the Egyptians
will see him as a friend
and they'll
abandon the Soviets
because containing
the Russians,
that's all he cares about.
DAYAN: (ON TV)
The enemy's tanks have
penetrated our lines
and occupied several outposts.
(SIGHS)
We have suffered losses
in lives and territory.
That much is true.
What the hell is wrong
with him?
It is more or less
as we expected
of the first day of battle.
I cannot, and will not,
give exact numbers.
-Get me Medzini.
-All I can say...
I need a speech.
...is that this battle
will end in victory.
God help us all.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
ZEIRA: We overflew the canal
an hour ago.
The Egyptians have
ten operational bridges.
Two divisions have crossed
and are digging in
on the east bank.
And the Golan?
Syrian tanks are advancing
in their thousands.
We are trying our best,
but it's very, very serious.
Moshe.
How was that?
Fine. Fine.
Are you all right?
Yes. Of course.
Go to the Golan. See what's
happening, report back.
-Go.
-Yes.
(BELL RINGING)
MAN 1: 30 seconds,
Madam Prime Minister.
(TV INTRO PLAYING)
(MAN SPEAKING IN HEBREW)
Mmm-mmm.
Are you ready,
Prime Minister?
MAN 2: Four, three,
two...
Today... (CLEARS THROAT)
...around 2:00 p.m.,
the Egyptian and Syrian armies
launched an offensive
against Israel.
The enemy suffered
serious losses.
The rulers of Egypt and Syria
have long planned
a ceasefire violation.
In their cowardice,
the attackers spread the lie
that Israel opened fire first.
Our enemies hoped to surprise
the citizens of Israel
on Yom Kippur.
But we were not surprised.
For several days,
the Israeli intelligence
services have known
that the Egyptian
and Syrian armies
were preparing for
a combined attack.
We wholeheartedly
trust in the spirit
and power of the IDF
to defeat the enemy.
(SOLDIER SPEAKING OVER RADIO,
IN HEBREW)
(DISTANT EXPLOSIONS)
(EXPLOSIONS)
(LIEUTENANT SPEAKING IN HEBREW)
(COMMANDER SPEAKING IN HEBREW)
(EXPLOSIONS CONTINUE)
(SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING IN HEBREW)
(SOLDIER 3 SPEAKING IN HEBREW)
(SOLDIER 4 SPEAKING IN HEBREW)
(SOLDIER 5 SPEAKING IN HEBREW)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(RETCHING)
(LIGHTS CLICK)
(EXHALES)
We lost the north.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
It's Armageddon.
We lost the north.
I alerted Dimona.
The nuclear weapon.
-Yes, that's what I did.
-What?
You did what? Are you serious?
Get Dado up here now.
Come, Moshe.
DAYAN: This is
another Masada, Golda.
GOLDA: Come with me.
Come on. Come.
DAYAN: I saw it
with my own eyes. I swear.
(DOOR CLOSES)
We lost around 80, 100 tanks.
The whole division is gone.
Just gone.
In all sincerity
and friendship,
I offer you
my resignation, Golda.
(DAYAN BREATHING HEAVILY)
-I have failed.
-I need you on your feet.
Do you understand?
No more of this.
Go home. Wash your face.
And snap out of it.
Go!
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(EXHALES)
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
(SIGHS) What's going on?
Have you blown the bridges
over the Jordan?
How will the reserves
get up to the Golan
without the bridges?
GOLDA: He wants to arm
the nuclear weapon.
Has he gone mad?
Dayan...
Dayan is finished.
Take no orders from him.
You are in full command now.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
We had a terrible night.
The Syrians have
broken through
our lines with many tanks,
but for some reason,
they have not pressed forward.
Maybe they're short of fuel
or they don't have orders,
I don't know.
It's given us
a breathing space.
I've instructed the air force
to bring planes
from the south.
They have orders to attack
anything that moves.
The situation is difficult.
But the 679th
are fighting hard.
They're tough boys. They won't
let their country down.
Now, on the Egyptian front...
we have failed to stop
the enemy crossing the canal.
Our tanks arrived too late
and in too few numbers.
The Egyptians have brought up
mobile SAM missile launchers
and the air force
has been hit very hard.
How many Phantoms
have we lost?
-ELAZAR: Around 30.
-(SCATTERED GASP)
Fifty aircrew dead or missing.
GOLDA: And men?
Hundred and seventy for sure,
maybe more.
Most pressingly,
the strongpoints
are surrounded.
Approximately 600 soldiers,
most of them reservists,
are trapped.
-(RADIO CHATTER ECHOING)
-(GUNFIRE ECHOING)
MAN: Why weren't
they evacuated?
General Gonen told them
to fight to the end.
The Egyptians
are dug in across this line.
Gonen is preparing
a counterattack.
Sharon is head to the south.
The plan is to relieve
the strongpoints
and drive the Egyptians back
across the canal.
You'll rescue these boys.
-Golda.
-You're back.
-Anymore from your friend?
-He's in Cairo.
The Egyptians have
crossed the canal?
Dado is planning
a counterattack.
That is what
they're expecting.
We'll be walking into a trap.
But there are 400 kids
trapped in the fortresses.
The Egyptians will be waiting.
You must stop
this attack, Golda.
I do not make
the military decisions.
ZAMIR: But, Golda,
it will be suicidal!
I'm a politician,
not a soldier.
Golda, Golda.
Please, I can't...
(SIGHS)
GOLDA: What the hell
do you want from me?
(BREATH TREMBLING)
(GOLDA PANTING)
Golda!
Golda, are you all right?
Breathe, Golda.
Please, breathe.
Do you want to
drink something?
The enemy has tasted blood.
There is no reason
for them to stop now.
This is 1948 again.
We are fighting for our lives.
If the Americans
throw us to the dogs,
and the Arabs reach Tel Aviv,
I will not be taken alive.
And you are to
make sure of that.
The Americans,
they won't let us down.
(HELICOPTER FLIES PAST)
Why not?
Because you won't
let it happen.
Sorry, but
you're not dead yet.
(CHUCKLES)
Hmm. Alive and kicking.
(DOOR SLAMS)
(WINGS FLUTTERING)
(BIRD SQUAWKING)
(INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER)
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)
GOLDA: What is this
we're hearing?
Our troops on the canal.
They're surrounded.
These are the fortifications
where the boys are trapped.
Bren and his
tank division will
push forward
across this plain,
smash through
the Egyptian line
and relieve the strongpoints.
The counterattack is starting.
(POWERING UP)
(SOLDIER SPEAKING OVER RADIO,
IN HEBREW)
-(ROCKET WHISTLING OVER RADIO)
-(EXPLOSIONS OVER RADIO)
(SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 3 AND
SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING)
(ROCKET WHISTLING)
(SOLDIER 4 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 2 AND
SOLDIER 5 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 5 AND
SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 3 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 5 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 3 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 3 SPEAKING)
(ROCKET WHISTLING, EXPLOSIONS
CONTINUE OVER RADIO)
(COMMANDER SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING)
(COMMANDER SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 6 SPEAKING)
(COMMANDER SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 5 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 7 SPEAKING)
-(EXPLOSIONS CONTINUE)
-(SOLDIERS SCREAMING)
(COMMANDER SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 8 SPEAKING)
(EXPLOSION)
(LOUD EXPLOSION OVER RADIO)
-(BREATH TREMBLING)
-(RADIO STATIC)
(GUNFIRE OVER RADIO)
(SOLDIERS SCREAMING
OVER RADIO)
(ARAB SOLDIER
SPEAKING IN ARABIC)
(BREATH TREMBLING)
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
(LIGHTER CLICKS)
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
(CLOCK TICKING)
-(EXPLOSIONS ECHOING)
-(VOICES ECHOING)
(MAN'S SCREAM ECHOING)
-(ECHOING VOICES CONTINUE)
-(BIRD SQUAWKING ECHOING)
(PANICKED SHOUTING ECHOING)
(MEN SCREAMING ECHOING)
(GASPS)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
anxiety talking, Golda.
Come on, I'll make us
some more coffee, all right?
How are you?
-Fine.
-You coming in?
I need you.
(DAYAN GRUNTS SOFTLY)
I'll be there.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(DOOR CLOSES)
Come, Moshe. Sit.
I lost another 13 Phantoms
and nine Skyhawks.
-(EXPLOSION ECHOING)
-Eleven pilots dead.
At this rate,
three, maybe four more days
and I'm out of the fight.
(EXPLOSION ECHOING)
GOLDA: What happened to Sharon
and his flanking attack?
He drove around the desert
all afternoon
with 30 photographers in tow.
-He didn't fire a shot.
-That man.
And Bren?
ELAZAR: His division
is virtually destroyed.
We still have, er, 400 boys
trapped in the fortresses
along the canal.
We're working on
a new rescue plan.
-The Egyptians know that.
-No one left behind.
-It's a trap.
-No one left behind, Zvika!
What is the point
of risking more lives?
Let's be honest
with ourselves.
If we sent a rescue mission,
its purpose would be
to save our reputation
as much as save those boys.
So, what are our options?
Sharon wants
to cross the canal
and cut them off
from the rear.
Would that work?
The Egyptians have
two divisions
on the west bank
lying in wait.
He'd be wiped out.
What's the position
on the Golan?
(SIGHS) We pushed them back
to the ceasefire line.
The Syrians are
close to collapse.
Can you push them
back further,
towards Damascus?
If we could panic Assad,
he will put pressure on Sadat
to attack again.
Exposing his tanks
in open country.
Dado, what do you think?
The Egyptians are well dug in.
They'll not leave
their positions.
-Sadat got his victory.
-Yes.
But...
does he know it?
I want you to bomb
the outskirts of Damascus,
Benny.
-Get Assad really mad.
-I'll need more planes.
Get Kissinger
on the phone, please.
Cheer up, Moshe.
-Things could be worse.
-DAYAN: How?
-You could have my feet.
-(LAUGHS)
KISSINGER: (OVER PHONE)
I understand,
but the President
is in a difficult position.
The winter is coming.
If the Saudis...
GOLDA: The Russians have
started a massive airlift.
We're seeing planes streaming
into Cairo and Damascus.
We have lost 500 tanks
and one third
of the air force.
Five hundred?
Yes. And 30 Phantoms.
I could have launched
a pre-emptive strike
but I didn't,
to save your blushes.
That decision cost us dearly.
Watergate is sweeping
through Washington
like a firestorm, Golda.
Nixon is a lame duck.
-But you're not.
-(KISSINGER SIGHS)
Golda...
Would it help
if I came to Washington?
You want to fly here?
During a war?
Yes.
Golda,
that would cause problems.
The Jewish community here
would be alarmed.
Hmm! No doubt.
If the Arabs defeat us
with Soviet weapons,
what message does that send
to the Free World, Henry?
(SIGHS)
I have some Phantoms for you.
(EXHALES)
Thank you.
Goodnight, Golda.
-(KETTLE WHISTLING)
-Israel simply can't wait...
for, uh, the dust to settle.
And the Arabs can't wait
for the dust to settle
in the Mid-East.
Uh, both sides are at fault.
Both sides need to
start negotiating.
That is our position.
We're not pro-Israel
and we're not pro-Arab.
And we're not any more
pro-Arab because they have oil
and Israel hasn't.
We are pro-peace.
And it's the interest
of the whole area
for us to get those
negotiations off dead center
and that is why
-we will use our influence...
-(DOORBELL RINGS)
...with Israel,
and we will use our influence,
what influence we have,
with the various
Arab states...
It will be 5:30. 5:30.
Hmm.
-Yes.
-General Sharon,
it's an honor.
(SHARON GRUMBLES)
These pictures were taken
three hours ago
by one of my scouts
in the canal.
We've found a gap
in the Egyptian line, here.
Just north of
the Great Bitter Lake.
The Second Egyptian Army
is here, to the north.
The Third Army,
here to the south.
In the middle,
the canal is unprotected.
I have motorized rafts
big enough to carry tanks.
I could have 50 tanks
on the west bank before dawn.
I push north, spreading panic.
-Who would like coffee? Hmm.
-Thank you.
GOLDA: Um,
forgive my ignorance.
What do these symbols mean?
The 4th and the 21st
Egyptian Divisions.
They're on the west bank
of the canal waiting to cross.
Yes. I remember.
So, Arik.
You want to cross the canal
with 50 tanks and 2,000 men
and take on two divisions.
I believe that's 600 tanks
and 30,000 men.
-Is that your plan?
-We are losing men.
-(TELEPHONE RINGING)
-Every day, we are losing men
and machines without
improving our position.
Dado,
would a crossing succeed?
-I doubt it.
-(LIGHTER CLICKS)
And it might
lead to catastrophe.
For God's sake.
Moshe, say something.
DAYAN: Nobody doubts
your bravery, Arik,
but Dado is right.
If you crossed,
you'd be destroyed.
There would be no one left
to stop the Arabs.
No, no! We must attack now.
ZAMIR: I have news.
The Egyptians will renew their
offensive in two days' time.
The 4th and the 21st Division
will cross the canal
and join the attack.
If they crossed,
Cairo will be undefended.
No one could be that stupid.
The Egyptians are about
to make a terrible mistake.
I suggest we let them make it.
It would seem
a ridiculous decision.
No. I don't think so.
Sadat is the first Arab leader
to defeat the Jews in battle.
So he's feeling euphoric.
Invincible.
Do you think a few sand dunes
along the Suez Canal
will seem enough
when the gates of Jerusalem
are beckoning?
Knowing when you've lost
is easy.
It's knowing when you've won
that's hard. Hmm!
We'll wait for them to cross.
-Thank you, gentlemen.
-ELAZAR: Mmm-hmm.
Arik.
You'll get your chance.
And for that, they will
make you Prime Minister.
Just remember, all political
careers end in failure.
-Hmm!
-(CAR ENGINE STARTS)
(SHARON SIGHS)
(WATER SPLASHING)
I won't be here for long.
You take care of yourself.
This is not me talking to you
as your boss.
You're family to me.
You understand me?
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(MAN SPEAKING ON TV,
IN HEBREW)
Shir's son is missing.
(GOLDA SIGHS)
I'll speak to her.
No, no. Not now.
-The meeting is starting.
-(SIGHS)
Go. I'll talk to her.
Thank you.
(MAN CONTINUES IN HEBREW
ON TV)
(SOBBING)
the canal at dawn.
As you can see, the Egyptian
tanks are on the bridges.
The Egyptians are crossing.
Cairo is undefended.
We are hearing it all
on the listening system.
They will attack tomorrow.
Haim, are you ready?
We will be.
GOLDA: When they attack,
smash them. Good luck.
HAIM: Thank you.
Marwan was right.
Well done, Zvika.
(AIRPLANES APPROACHING)
WOMAN: The American convoy
is here.
(AIRPLANES RUMBLING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER ON RADIO)
ELAZAR: The Egyptians
are falling right into our trap.
They're crossing the plain
in front of the canal.
Our tanks are dug in
on this little ridge,
on the top
of this little ridge.
From below, you can only see
the turret and the gun.
Very hard to hit. Very hard.
I've reinforced
Bren's division
with tanks from
the Jordan border.
They're old and slow but
their guns are very accurate.
(COMMANDER SPEAKING OVER RADIO,
IN HEBREW)
(SOLDIER 1 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING)
(COMMANDER SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 3 SPEAKING)
(COMMANDER SPEAKING)
(EXPLOSIONS)
(EXPLOSIONS CONTINUE)
(SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 4 SPEAKING)
(COMMANDER SPEAKING)
(VOICE ECHOING)
(SOLDIER 5 SPEAKING)
(COMMANDER SPEAKING)
(EXPLOSIONS CONTINUE)
-(ECHOING STOPS)
-(SCATTERED CLAPPING)
they've had enough.
GOLDA: Hmm.
Well done, everybody. (CLAPS)
We've destroyed them.
DAYAN:
They'll not attack again,
but crossing the canal
will not be easy.
The crossing
is only possible here,
in the area
called the Chinese Farm,
and it's only
two kilometers wide.
When the Arabs realize
what's going on,
the jaws will snap shut
like a crocodile
and we'll be the ones cut off.
We're in the best position
we've been in
since the fighting began.
I think we should
think seriously
about accepting a ceasefire.
We are facing
an unholy alliance
between the Soviets
and the Arabs
that must be defeated.
If our enemies
stop fearing us,
they will attack again
and again and again.
This war cannot end
with Sadat on the east bank.
Can Sharon get his tanks
across the canal?
Moshe,
what does your gut tell you?
DAYAN: To cross.
-Oh!
-Golda.
I'm all right. (COUGHING)
WOMAN: Prime Minister,
the crossing has started.
(COMMANDER SPEAKING OVER RADIO,
IN HEBREW)
(SOLDIER 1 SPEAKING)
what is happening?
Sharon is now crossing
the canal with rubber boats.
Uh, he has to fight to keep
the, uh, bridgehead open.
Chinese Farm.
(SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING)
(COMMANDER SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 1 SPEAKING)
We're in Africa, Golda.
We're in Egypt.
MAN: Bravo, guys. Well done.
(BEEPING)
(GUNFIRE OVER RADIO)
They're engaging.
(SOLDIER 1 SPEAKING)
They're being engaged.
Large arms.
They're hitting us.
They're hitting us
with large arms.
I'm getting reports of
a counterattack on our forces.
There is fire directly
at Chinese Farm.
Casualties.
A lot of casualties.
(SOLDIER 1 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING)
184, what is going on?
ELAZAR: (OVER RADIO)
Sorry, we're ambushed.
It doesn't sound good.
(GUNFIRE CONTINUES OVER RADIO)
(SOLDIER 1 SPEAKING)
(RADIO STATIC)
(GOLDA EXHALES)
(SOLDIER 3 SPEAKING)
(BREATH TREMBLING)
(SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 3 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 1 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 3 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 1 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 1 SPEAKING)
(SOLDIER 2 SPEAKING)
(EXPLOSIONS OVER RADIO)
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
What's the news?
(SIGHS) There's heavy fighting
around Chinese Farm.
But the bridgehead is secure.
Sharon has 30 tanks
on the west bank.
We're building
a pontoon bridge.
Bren's division
should cross soon.
Well done. And the casualties?
Three hundred dead.
And more to come.
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
(RAIN PATTERING)
(CLOCK TICKING)
(GASPS)
(TELEPHONE RINGING)
Hello?
(MAN SPEAKING IN HEBREW)
(STATIC CRACKLING)
(TELEPHONE RINGING)
(STATIC CONTINUES CRACKLING)
(MAN CONTINUES SPEAKING
IN HEBREW)
(MAN CONTINUES IN HEBREW)
Who's there?
Who's there?
(TELEPHONE RINGING ECHOING)
(MAN SPEAKING IN HEBREW
ECHOING)
Who is this?
(MAN SHOUTING IN HEBREW
ECHOING)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(TELEPHONE RINGING ECHOING)
-(GUNFIRE ECHOING)
-(SCREAMING ECHOING)
(MAN SHOUTING IN HEBREW
ECHOING)
(SHOUTING CONTINUES ECHOING)
(TELEPHONE RINGING
CONTINUES ECHOING)
Stop! Stop!
(GUNFIRE ECHOING)
(MAN SHOUTING IN HEBREW
ECHOING)
(SCREAMING)
(SOBBING)
(NOISES STOP)
MAN: Do you know
how many people died
because of that crossing?
On the 14th?
Seven hundred dead or missing.
-(TYPEWRITER CLACKING)
-Approximately 2,000 wounded.
And some 300 prisoners.
I counted them all,
Mr. Chairman.
Every one of them.
Trust me.
(SIGHS)
Dado, where are we?
Bren wants to cut Suez
from the Cairo road
somewhere near here.
Kilometer 101.
You mean the entire Third Army
would be cut off?
Yes.
There's no water
on the east bank.
They wouldn't last long.
GOLDA: We'd have Sadat
by the throat.
He'll have to negotiate.
How many men
in the Third Army?
About 30,000.
You'd have me create an army
of widows and orphans.
Are you prepared to do that?
(KNOCKING AT DOOR)
The world must believe
that I am.
-Prime Minister?
-GOLDA: Hmm.
REPORTER: Henry Kissinger's
presidential jet
landed at
Lod International Airport
in Tel Aviv
late this afternoon.
Kissinger was greeted
at the airport
by a small delegation
of officials
before getting into
a waiting car
and was driven to meet
with Israeli Prime Minister,
Golda Meir.
The meeting took place
at Meir's house in Tel Aviv.
And they are sure to discuss
a ceasefire agreement
between Israel
and its Arab neighbors.
Welcome to Israel,
Mr. Secretary.
Thank you,
Madam Prime Minister.
So this is General Elazar,
-our Chief of Staff.
-General Elazar.
General Zeira,
Head of Military Intelligence.
-Pleased to meet you.
-Zvi Zamir, Head of Mossad.
And, of course, Moshe Dayan.
-Hello, Moshe.
-Minister of Defense.
Oh.
-Thank you for coming, Henry.
-Of course.
-Are you hungry?
-No, thank you.
My housekeeper, Leah,
made some borscht.
-No, no. Please, uh...
-(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
...the Russians gave me
two huge dinners last night,
one after the other.
And to be honest I'm feeling
a bit, uh, uncomfortable.
Ah, those Russians.
It's all about strategy.
Come, sit.
You know, they jammed
the communication equipment
on my plane.
Hmm, of course.
Those Russians.
They brought nothing
but misery to the world.
Normally,
I would agree with you.
Of course, there is Tolstoy.
Hmm! And Dostoyevsky.
-Misery on every page.
-(BOTH CHUCKLE)
No, please. Thank you.
(SOFTLY) You will have to
eat it, Henry.
She's a survivor.
Ah. Hmm.
Enjoy.
Hmm.
(SLURPS)
Mmm, it's very good. Thank you.
(KISSINGER COUGHING)
Thank you, Leah.
Madam Prime Minister,
in terms of our work together,
I think it's important
that you remember
that I am first an American,
second,
I am Secretary of State,
and third, I am a Jew.
You forget that in Israel,
we read from right to left.
(GOLDA CHUCKLES)
-Of course.
-(COUGHING)
-Are you okay?
-(COUGHS) Sorry.
You look tired.
It's been
a tough time for you.
We came this close
to defeat, Henry.
KISSINGER: Hmm.
(SIGHS)
President Nixon
sends his regards.
When he drinks,
he talks about you.
My name must be
on his lips all the time.
(BOTH LAUGHING)
Golda, OPEC has declared
the United States
a principal hostile nation.
The Saudis have
cut off our oil
and crude has jumped from
four dollars a barrel
to 12, so...
You can see that
the American people
will pay a high price
for supporting Israel.
Which is why we need
the ceasefire agreement.
(CLICKS TONGUE)
Well, first things first.
Here is a list
of every prisoner of war.
We have taken some 9,000 men.
Not that Assad or Sadat
care less about their men.
I want a list
of every prisoner of war,
a date for their return
and the return of the bodies.
Brezhnev assures me
he will talk to Sadat.
I need a guarantee, Henry.
And one from Assad.
He's the worst.
Fingernails torn out.
Our boys come home in pieces.
This country is traumatized.
My generals are begging me
to occupy Cairo.
Sharon is like a dog
on the leash.
If you do that,
you will be on your own.
Israel's long-term interests
will not be served
by a fracturing
of our relationship, Golda.
Sadat has already agreed
to the terms of the ceasefire.
Of course, he has!
He's on the brink of defeat!
It will give him a chance
to regroup.
You are the only person
in the world
who could possibly understand
what I'm going through.
Yes, I know how you feel,
but we need a ceasefire.
I thought we were friends,
Henry.
We will always protect Israel.
Like you did in '48?
We had to get our weapons
from Stalin. Stalin!
Our survival
is not in your gift.
If we have to,
we will fight alone.
I'm, uh, stopping in London
for a few hours
on the way home.
I should arrive in Washington
around 9:00 a.m.
in the morning tomorrow,
your time.
At which time I will have to
announce the ceasefire.
That will give you
18 hours to...
secure your supply line.
But I warn you, Golda.
Any attempt to encircle
the Third Army
will bring the Soviets
into the conflict,
-do you understand?
-I understand.
On that basis, does Israel
agree to the ceasefire?
I have 18 hours.
Then, yes.
Thank you for the borscht.
Good luck, Golda.
(DOOR CLOSES)
(HONKING)
(MACHINE POWERING UP)
Golda,
they want to see your face.
(GOLDA SIGHS)
(WEAKLY) Well, they have to
do it without my face.
No. This is not possible.
Come on.
-No.
-(SIGHS)
Golda, I'm sorry, but I have
to get you out of this bed.
(GOLDA GROANS SOFTLY)
One, two, three.
I can't, I... No.
No. It hurts.
-I know it hurts.
-It hurts.
I know. I'll help you.
I promised I would put you
in this helicopter. Come on.
(GOLDA GROANING)
All right. You give them hope.
They need to see your face.
(REPORTER SPEAKING IN HEBREW)
(HELICOPTER WHIRRING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(MAN 1 AND MAN 2 SPEAKING)
(MAN 2 AND MAN 1 SPEAKING)
(REPORTER SPEAKING)
(MAN 1 AND MAN 2 SPEAKING)
(COMMANDER SPEAKING)
We are, by our logic,
and it seems to me that logic,
if one can say that logic
makes sense,
dictates that
we stand like this
and they stand here
and we stand there
and they stand there
and we stand here
and everything is confused.
Oh, thank you.
Fine. No, so let's say then
that there is still no peace.
But until then...
(SOLDIERS LAUGHING)
This is luxury.
What a treat.
This is nepotism!
(SOLDIERS LAUGHING)
-Cheers to you all.
-SOLDIERS: L'chaim!
(REPORTER SPEAKING)
(CHEERING)
I've just got the news that Bren
has cut the Suez
to Cairo road.
The Egyptian Third Army
is completely surrounded.
(KNOCKING AT DOOR)
Secretary Kissinger
is on the line.
-(TELEPHONE RINGING)
-You've got Sadat
by the throat, Golda.
Mr. Secretary?
You are to open
a humanitarian corridor
to the Third Army, Golda.
We cannot allow 30,000 men
to die of thirst.
We'll send them water when
we've got our prisoners back.
I will try to arrange...
And Sadat agrees
to direct talks with Israel.
Not the "Zionist Entity."
Israel.
That would be tantamount
to recognition.
-Yes.
-He will never agree to that.
The Arab world
would turn against him.
If he doesn't, I will
order my planes to attack.
All those men will die.
All of them.
Destruction of the Third Army
would force Sadat from power.
He'd be hanged
in Tahrir Square.
Well, that thought
should focus his mind.
And he would be replaced
by a Soviet hardliner.
You know this as well as I do.
You mean a madman bent on
the destruction of Israel?
The Russians are
on high alert.
They are preparing
11 airborne divisions.
-Do you understand?
-You think I don't know that?
Let me tell you
about the Russians, Henry.
When I was a child in Ukraine,
at Christmas time, my father
would board up the windows
-of our house...
-Golda.
...to protect us from Cossacks
who would get drunk
and attack Jews.
They would beat Jews to death
in the street for fun.
My father would hide us
in the cellar.
And we'd stay silent,
hoping the killers
would pass us by.
My father's face, Henry.
I will never forget that look.
All he wanted was
to protect his children.
I am not that little girl
hiding in the cellar!
So, now you're going to fight
with the Russians too, huh?
You must choose, Henry.
Side with me or I will create
an army of orphans and widows.
-This is not the way to...
-I will slaughter them all.
Whose side are you on?
-You must choose.
-Golda.
Please think about it.
Goodbye, Mr. Secretary.
(EXHALES SHAKILY)
(COUGHING)
-(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
-(CONTINUES COUGHING)
(CONTINUES COUGHING)
(GOLDA SIGHS)
(BREATHES DEEPLY)
(CLOCK TICKING)
(TELEPHONE RINGING)
GOLDA: Mr. Secretary?
KISSINGER: Sadat wants you
to send your Chief of Staff
to a junction
on the Suez-Cairo road.
Kilometer 101. Do you know it?
We took it
a few days ago. When?
-At dawn.
-And... the Russians?
They're watching.
-Good luck, Golda.
-Thank you, Henry.
(REPORTER SPEAKING IN HEBREW)
(CLOCK TICKING)
(TELEPHONE RINGING)
DADO: (OVER PHONE)
Can you hear me?
GOLDA: Yes, Dado. Speak up.
I have a message from Sadat.
He's offering direct talks.
And an exchange of POWs.
He has given the Red Cross
a list of names.
He referred to you
as the Prime Minister
of Israel, Golda.
He used that word, "Israel"?
Yes. Israel.
He's recognizing Israel.
Tell General Gamasy
that we welcome
President Sadat's kind words.
(GOLDA SIGHS IN RELIEF)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Well done, Golda.
Thank you.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)
Excuse me.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION
CONTINUES)
I know that look.
It wasn't switched on.
The bugging system.
That's why
military intelligence
didn't hear
the signal for war.
This cannot be true.
Zeira switched it on
for a few hours
on Thursday the 4th,
but that was a technical test.
None of the lines
were monitored.
It was then switched off again
until Saturday the 6th.
-The morning war broke out.
-No.
Zeira intercepted a cable
from the Iraqis
to the Russians
telling them that war
was about to begin.
-But he kept it to himself.
-Why?
Who likes to be wrong?
The listening system
must be kept secret.
No one must know about this.
You will take the blame?
I will defend your memory.
I promise you that.
(KNOCKING AT DOOR)
(GOLDA GASPS)
(GOLDA GROANS SOFTLY)
Golda, look at that.
(TYPEWRITERS CLACKING)
(TYPEWRITER BELL DINGS)
(SHIR SOBBING)
-(TYPEWRITERS STOP CLACKING)
-(EXHALES)
(CRYING)
(CONTINUES CRYING)
-(SHIR YELLS)
-(PAPER CRUMPLING)
(SHIR CONTINUES CRYING)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(LIGHTER CLICKS)
(EXHALES SHAKILY)
(SOLDIER SHOUTING
INDISTINCTLY)
Come on, Golda.
You can't stay here all night.
It's cold. Come home.
(CAR ENGINE STARTS)
Thank you,
Madam Prime Minister.
That will be all.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
My gut told me
that war was coming.
But I ignored it.
I should've mobilized
that night.
All those boys who died,
I will carry the pain of that
to my grave.
(TYPEWRITER CLACKING)
Please, don't write that down.
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
WOMAN: (ON TV)
Good evening, everyone.
This is Laura Stein
in Washington.
Exactly one year ago today
marks the first time former
Prime Minister, Golda Meir,
met Egyptian President
Anwar Sadat face to face.
Let's look back
at this monumental moment
that shaped the peace treaty
between Israel and Egypt
that will be signed
later today.
GOLDA: When asked
many years ago...
(MONITOR BEEPING)
...when do I think
peace will come,
I said, "The date,
I do not know.
"But I know under what
conditions it will come.
"There will be a great leader.
"He will wake up one morning
"and feel sorry
for his own people,
"for his own sons
that have fallen in battle.
"That day will be
the beginning
"of peace
between us and them."
Mr. President,
you call for peace,
and I believe in
your sincere desire for peace
as I hope that you believe
in the sincere desire
on our part for peace.
Then let us go on.
Let us at least
conclude one thing.
The beginning that you have
made with such courage
and with such hope for peace,
let us decide one thing.
It must go on face to face,
between us and between you.
So that even an old lady like
I am will live to see the day.
(SADAT LAUGHS)
You always call me
an old lady, Mr. President.
(ALL LAUGHING)
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)
We will live to see the day
whoever signs
on the part of Israel,
I want to live
to see that day.
And, Mr. President,
as a grandmother
to a grandfather...
(ALL LAUGHING)
(CROWD APPLAUDING)
...may I give you
a little present
for the new granddaughter?
And thank you for your present
that you have given me.
(CROWD APPLAUDING)
(OXYGEN MASK
DROPS TO THE FLOOR)
(FOLK SONG PLAYING)
SADAT: Let us have no war
after October.
BEGIN: No more war,
no more bloodshed.