In May 1967, following the deterioration in the security situation and in light of the threat of an Arab war against Israel, Menachem Begin approached Levi Eshkol and requesteded that Ben-Gurion be included in the government in order bring renewed hope to the public. Eshkol had reservations, but requested to add Gahal to a National Unity Government, and Begin requested the defense portfolio be handed to Moshe Dayan.

On June 1^st Begin began to join government meetings. On June 5^th, the day the Six Day War broke out, he was sworn in as a minister without porfilio. His contribution was crucial in making the directive to liberate the Old City of Jerusalem and the decision to unite the city.