In a letter dated Cheshvan 22, 5738 (1977) the Rebbe wrote:
Perhaps you are aware of that which I spoke about on Motzoei Shabbos Lech Lecha regarding the absolute necessity of settling all the territories simultaneously. This should at least be done in the places which are under dispute by the nations. In my opinion, it is clear that this is the only way to cause the enemies of Israel to give up their evil plans, when they see that we really mean it.
The Rebbe concludes his letter by saying:
If you share this outlook, surely you will raise the greatest possible commotion. Even though it would have been preferable to build these settlements immediately — at the same time that the first one was established — nevertheless, it is better to do it now, late, than to continue taking two steps back, and then one step forward. I deliberately changed the order, because unfortunately the politicians are even afraid of the method of taking one step forward, and then two steps back.
In his address of Pesach Sheini, 5738 (1978), the Rebbe said that there is an immediate need to populate the entire eastern border of the Holy Land, adding: “This is literally a matter of security for three-and-a-half million Jews!”
The Rebbe always mentioned in his addresses the saying of the Sages, “Action is the main thing.” He also mentions this saying in connection with the indivisibility of the Land of Israel, which is an important and fateful issue. In his public address of 13 Tishrei 5738 (1977), the Rebbe stresses that action is the main thing with regard to the integrity of the land.
The entire Land of Israel should be populated, along its entire boundaries. This is similar to that which is said regarding Torah and mitzvos — just as we must perform the actual physical act, so must it be regarding the integrity of the Land of Israel — the physical act is necessary: to settle the entire Land of Israel!
