Allon, Yigal (1918-1980): former Foreign Minister; creator of the “Allon Plan” for the division & cantonization of the WBnk (devised from Jul67-1977). Commander of Haganah units from their inception, became a founder of Palmach (1941), its deputy commander (1943-5) & its commander (1945-8) & then Lieut-Gen during the 1948 war. After retiring from the IDF, became leader of Ahdut Ha’avoda & elected to Knesset (1955). Minister of Labour (1961-7), immigrant absorption (1967-9), education & culture (1969-74). After participating in Separation of Forces negotiations w Egy & Syr, served as FM from 1974-77 after Meir’s downfall. Quotes on 1948 strategy here.
Aloni, Shulamit: Founder of Civil Rights Movement. b.1929, Tel Aviv; participated in struggle for Jlem in 1948. Worked as a teacher & journalist. Labour MK 1965-9; formed CRM in 1973 advocating secularism & promotion of hr, leading party as an MK (from 1974) into Meretz list. Ministerial posts: w/o portfolio (Jun-Oct74), Communications Min (1992-6). Lost position as MK in 1996.
Arens, Moshe: Likud stalwart, former Foreign & Defence Ministers. b.1925, Lithuania, but grew up in US; immigrated to Isr in 1948. Trained as an aeronautical engineer. MK from 1974, Isri ambassador to US (1982-3), Min. Defence (1983-4), Min w/o Portfolio (1984-8), FM (1988-90) & Defence Min (1990-2) under Shamir; brought out of retirement to be Defence Min again t/w end of Netanyahu era (1999).
Barak, Ehud: Former Labour PM & army chief of staff. b.1942 in kibbutz Mishmar Hasharon as Ehud Brog, son of East European immigrants. He began his military service in 1959. Became head of IDF “intelligence”, reconnaissance gp commander in 1967 war, battalion commander in S.Sinai in 1973 war. Deputy-Commander on the 1982 invasion of Lebanon. Took leading roles in the Beirut raid of 1973 and the 1988 raid on Tunis. Deputy chief-of-staff (from May87), chief-of-staff & Lt. Gen. (from Apr91). Isr’s most decorated soldier, and its youngest chief-of-staff. Oversaw redeployment from Gaza/Jericho, took part in negotiations w Jord & contacts w Syr (from 1994). Became Interior Minister (Jul-Nov95) under Rabin & FM (Nov95-Jun96) under Peres. An MK from 1996, immediately became chair of Labour P. Made attempts to win Sephardi support by apologizing for past behaviour of Labour Ashkenazi elite. Formed One Israel slate to win the May99 elections, & became PM. Lost elections of Feb01, & vacillated over taking a role in the Sharon govt. Eventually, he didn’t & resigned chair of party & from politics.
Begin, Benny (Ze’ev Benjamin): son of Menachem, b.1943 in Jlem, trained as a geologist. A ‘Likud prince’ (MK since 1988); rejects Oslo Accords. Briefly minister of Science (Jul96-Jan97) under Netanyahu, until he resigned.
Begin, Menachem: b.1913, Brest-Litovsk, Poland (now in Belarus). Joined Jabotinsky’s Betar youth movement (1929) & came to head it in Poland (1938). After arrest & release on fleeing to SU, joined Polish forces (1941-3), & then arrived in ME to work w Irgun, leading it from Dec43; quickly brought it into direct conflict w IDF, notably in the Altalena incident (Jun48) wh IDF stormed Irgun’s weapons ship. Founded Herut, w primary campaigns against receiving reparations from Germany; and alter against w/drawal from Sinai in 1956-7. Joined Natl Unity govt in 1967, resigning over Isr’s response to the Rogers Plan. PM from 1977-Sept83, wh discredited by Leb war; also death of wife & stock exchange collapse. Ends up in an asylum & perishing in Mar92.
Beilin, Yossi: b.1948, Isr; journalist for Davar, & Ph.D. in pol.sci. from Tel Aviv; scholar in the Tel-Avivi University Institute for the Study of Zionism. With Labour party, became spokesman (1977-84), cabinet secretary (1984-6), Director-General at Foreign Ministry (1986-8); MK from 1988 until 2001, deputy finance minister (1988-90), deputy FM (1992-5), wh was prime mover in Oslo accords, and conducted many semi-official negotiations thereafter. Later Planning Min (Jul-Nov95), w/o portfolio (Nov95-Jul96). Justice Minister under Barak (Jul99-Mar01), also holding Religious Affairs portfolio from Aug00. Author of Sons in the Shadow of their Fathers, The Price of Unity, Industry in Israel and Israel at Age 40 Plus (all in Hebrew); and Israel, A Concise Political History. Continues to act as an intermediary between the PA & Israel. Launched a new splinter group, Shachar (Dawn) on 3Jun02 after failing to persuade Labour to withdraw from the Sharon coalition (profile of new group in MEI 677: 11).
Ben-Ami, Shlomo: Internal Security minister & Foreign Minister (Nov00-Mar01) in Barak govt. b.1943, Morocco; immigrated to Isr in 1955. Isr’s ambassador to Spain (1987-91). MK since 1996. Generally seen as a social democrat, favouring compromise w Pns. Headed Israel's negotiating team around the Camp David summit; his account, blaming Barak's "incapab[ility] of crossing cultural lines" and the Palestinian "obsession with seeking justice", is here. Subject to an ongoing judicial inquiry into his role in the killing of 13 Isri Pns in Oct00.
Ben-Eliezer, Benjamin (Fouad): Minister of Defence under Sharon (Mar01-); on the far right of Labour Party. b. Baghdad, 1936; immigrated to Isr in 1949. Served as an IDF officer; commander in the 1967 & 1973 wars; wounded in the War of Attrition. Member of the IDF Military Mission to Singapore (1970-73); Commanding Officer in Sn Leb from 1977; then Military Governor of “Judea & Samaria” (1978-81) & as Govt Coordinator of Activities in the OTs (1983-84). Elected to the Knesset in 1984; served as Min of Construction & Housing under Rabin & Peres (1992-1996); Minister of Communications & Deputy PM under Barak (Jul99-Mar01), combined w Construction & Housing portfolio (from Aug00). Stood for Labour party leadership in earlySept01; won after a recount (Dec01). He infamously called 11Sept01 “from the perspective of Jews, the most important public relations act ever committed in our favour ... It is a fact that we have just killed 14 Palestinians in Jenin, Qabatiya and Tammun, with the world remaining absolutely silent” (to Yediot Aharonot, in MEI659); also supported the severance of ties w the PA. Speaks poor Hebrew, mixing army slang with bureaucratic jargon.
Benizri, Shlomo: (Shas) Min. of Labour & Social Affairs under Sharon govt (Mar01-). b. Haifa, 1951; served in the IDF & ordained a rabbi at Talmudic College in Jlem. Lectures on Judaism & is the head of a Talmudic college. Elected to the Knesset in 1992, heading the Shas faction. Deputy Minister of Health (1996-99); Min. of Health under Barak from Jul99 until resigned in Jul00. Announced the creation of a section in his department, the "Demographic Council", geared towards increasing the Jewish majority in Israel and prevent marriages between Jews and Gentiles (11Aug02).
Burg, Avraham: Speaker of the Knesset. b. 1955, Jlem, the son of Yosef Burg, long-time leader of the NRP & govt minister. Former officer in the Paratroops Division. Became a leader of the Peace Now in protests against the invasion of Leb; wounded by the hand grenade that killed Emil Grunzweig. Peres’ adviser on Diaspora Affairs (1985-88). MK from 1988, from Labour list. Chair of Jewish Agency and WZO from Feb95-99 (& resigned posn in Knesset); led attempts to obtain restitution for Jewish property stolen during the Holocaust. Resumed as MK wh elected on One Israel list in 1999; elected Speaker in Jul99 despite the oppn of Barak. One of his 1st acts was to take PLC speaker Ahmad Qu’ray on a tour of the Knesset. Stood for Labour Party leadership in earlySept01; initially declared victor, but lost in the re-count (Dec01).
Chazan, Naomi: Meretz, deputy speaker of the Knesset. Professor of Pol.Sci and African Studies, obtaining PhD from Hebrew University in 1975, and where she lectured from 1977-92, when elected to Knesset. Frequent participant in unofficial negotiations with Palestinian leaders.
Cohen, Ra’anan: (Labour) Minister without Portfolio in Sharon govt (Mar01-); S-G of Labour Party (Jan98-). b. 1941, Iraq, & immigrated to Isr in 1951. Has MA & PhD in Middle Eastern Studies from Tel Aviv Uni. Served as Chairman of the Arab & Druze Branch of the Labour Party (1975-86). An MK since 1988. From Aug00 until Mar01, was Min. of Labour & Soc Welfare.
Cohen, Yitzhak: leading Shas figure; minister for religion in the Barak govt (1999-Mar01). b.1951, Isr; MK since 1996.
Dayan, Moshe: former FM (1977-79). b.1915; took part in Haganah activities & briefly imprisoned by Mandatory authorities until allowed to fight against Vichy regime in Lebanon (1941). Led Jlem forces in 1948 war; member of Isri delegation to Rhodes talks. Quickly rose thru IDF to become Chief-of-staff (1953-8). MK from 1959: Minister of Agriculture (1959-64), leaving to found Rafi, wh he went on to lead. Recalled to become Min of Defence prior to 1967 war (1967-74), leaving wh refused to continue under Golda Meir. FM under Begin (1977-9), leaving due to disagreements about negotiations for autonomy in Pn areas. Founded the short-lived Telem party, & reelected as its MK in 1980; d.1981. Various quotes here.
Der’i, Aryeh: Former leader of the Shas party; highly influential. b.Morocco; founding member of Shas in 1984. Was Interior Minister under 1992-6 Labour-led government, but surrounded by corruption charges from Feb97. Trial convicted him of fraud, bribery & abuse of confidence; resigned from party leadership in Jun99 after Apr99 conviction. After losing two Supreme Ct appeals (but wh reduced his sentence by 1 yr), began his three yr prison term in Sept00.
Eban, Abba: former FM (1966-74). b.1915, worked at Jewish Agency in London, liasing w UNSCOP & UNGA during 1947. Became Isr’s 1st rep to the UN & combined this w Ambassador to Washington (1950-9). Became an MK in 1959, & served various ministerial posts (w/o portfolio, 1959-60; education & culture, 1960-3; deputy PM, 1963-6; FM, 1966-74).
Eitam, Efram: head of Mafdal. Former IDF brigadier, whose outspoken racism led to his dismissal. A "born again" Jew, he has called for the destruction of al-Aqsa mosque and for the expulsion of all Arabs from historic Palestine, although he seemed to withdraw this latter policy in his acceptance speech as Mafdal's leader. Strongly opposed to Palestinian statehood.
Eshkol, Levi: b. as Levi Shkolnik in 1895, Oratovo, Ukraine (under Russian control). Served in the Jewish Legion in WWI, supporting the British forces in Palestine. He moved to Palestine and helped build up the Haganah. Became PM & Minister of Defence from 1963, died 26Feb69.
Eytan, Rafael (‘Raful’): leader of Tzomet. b.1929, Isr; worked thru IDF, becoming chief-of-staff (1978-83) during 1st Likud spell in office, & played large role in encouraging & assisting settlement activity. Formed Tzomet in 1983; its MK from 1984 to 1999 (wh failed to be reelected). Was Minister for Agriculture under Netanyahu (Jun96-Jul99).
Ezra, Gideon: leading Likud figure & Deputy Minister of Public Security in Sharon govt (Mar01-). b.Jlem, 1937; studied Geography & Pol Science at Haifa Uni. Served in the General Security Services (1962-1995), rising to be Deputy Head; Advisor to the Minister of Public Security (1995). MK since 1996.
Hammer, Zevulun: former long-time leader of NRP. b.1936, Haifa. MK since 1969; ministerial appointments inc soc welfare (1975), education & culture (1977-84, 90-92, 96-8), religious affairs (1986-90, 97-98). d.Jan98, from illness.
Hanegbi, Tzachi: (Likud) Minister of the Environment in Sharon govt (Mar01-). b. Jlem, 1957; a paratrooper in the IDF & studied IR & law degree at HUJI. Was adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (1984-86); Director of the PM's Office under Shamir (1986-88). MK since 1988. Chairman of Likud Central Committee (1997-). Min. of Health (Jun96-Nov96); then Min. of Justice (Nov96-Jul99).
Harel, Yehuda: Founder of the ‘Third Way’ faction, formed to prevent withdrawal from the Golan. Golan settler & former Labour MK.
Itzik, Dalia: (Labour) Min. of Industry & Trade in Sharon govt (Mar01-). b. Jlem, 1952; B.A. in Literature & Histy from HUJI, Law Degree from Herzliya; trained as a teacher. Foremerly, deputy Mayor of Jlem in charge of Education; Member of Labour Central Committee. MK since 1992; Min. of the Environment (Jul99-Mar01). Once most noticeable as a vocal critic of Likud; shifted to being strongly in favour of maintaining "national unity" (ie staying in the Likud-led coaltion) in 2001-2.
Katsav, Moshe: 8th President of Isr (2000-), from wh Knesset chose him over Peres. b.1945, Iran; immigrated to Isr in 1951. Has lived in Kiryat Malachi since 1951. Studied at HUJI in economics & history. Deputy Min. of Housing & Construction (’81-’84); Min. of Labour & Soc Affairs (’84-’88); Min. of Transport (’88-’92); Deputy PM & Min. of Tourism, then Min. for Isri Arab Affairs (’96-’99).
Kahalani, Avigdor: Internal Security Minister under Netanyahu. b.1944, Isr; rose thru IDF, commander on the Golan Heights in 1973 war. MK for Labour from 1992, but left to form “Third Way” in 1996 elections, joining Netanyahu govt. Not elected in 1999.
Landau, Uzi: Likud far-right Minister of Public Security in Sharon govt (Mar01-). b. 1943, Haifa; Ph.D. from MIT. MK since 1984. Member, Isri Delegation to the Madrid Peace Conference. Routinely calls for the PLO to be recognised as a terrorist institution & for ‘Arafat to be tried as a war criminal.
Levy, David: former Foreign Minister (1990-2, 1999-00) and finance minister (1996-8); has been a minister almost continually since 1977. b.1937, Rabat, Morocco. Led Likud faction in Histadrut from 60s-early80s. MK since 1969; ministerial posts inc immigration (1977-9); housing (1979-90). In Begin’s Likud govt, was the only minister to oppose the powers given to the Phalangist militia in the 1982 invasion of Lebanon, & to support Labour’s call for a partial w/drawal from Lebanon in 1984. Leader of Gesher (estd 1995) after leaving Likud; but entered into coalition with Likud in 1996, resigning in Jan98 in oppn to Netanyahu to join the One Israel slate > made FM under Barak (1999-00); but left in Aug00 & gave support to Sharon in the 2001 elections.
Levy, Yitzhak: leader of Mafdal since Feb98-Apr02. b.1947, Morocco; immigrated to Isr in 1957. Became one of the extremist leaders of the attempt to settle Elon Moreh, outside Nablus. MK since 1988; minister of transport (Jun96-), minister of education & religious affairs (up to Jul99). Housing minister in Barak govt (1999-00) wh he encouraged settlement building despite official govt line. Voted against Sharm al-Shaykh implementation deal in the cabinet; resigned in Jul00. Ousted as head of Mafdal in Apr02, in favour of Efraim Eitam.
Lieberman, Avigdor: Minister of Natl Infrastructure in Sharon govt (Mar01-): b.1958, Moldova; immigrated to Isr in 1978. Served in the IDF, & has a degree in IR & pol sci from HUJI. Founded orgs for ex-Soviet Jewry w Sharansky. Director-General of Likud 1993-96, serving as a powerful & controversial figure w/in Likud; & then Director-General of the PM’s Office under Netanyahu (1996-1997). After, left Likud to form & head Yisrael-Beiteinu party in 1999. Was also editor of Yoman Yisraeli newspaper. Became an MK in 1999.
Livnat, Limor: (Likud) Minister of Education in Sharon govt (Mar01-). b.1950, Haifa; degree from Tel-Aviv Uni, & worked in advertising and public relations. MK since 1992; Minister of Communications from June 1996 to July 1999. Has been strongly pro-settler, & influential.
Meir, Golda: b.3May1898 as Golda Mabovitz in Kiev, Ukraine. Her family moved to Milwaukee in 1906. In 1921, she and her husband, Morris Meyerson (married 1917, divorced 1945) settled in Palestine; changed name to Meir in 1956. Held positions in the Jewish Agency and in the WZO before 1948, and was one of the signatories to the Declaration of Independence. Ambassador to the Soviet Union 1948-9, and then elected to the Knesset & appointed minister of labour and social insurance. Subsequent positions include Minister of foreign affairs (1959-66?), and secretary general of the Labour party (1966-8). Became PM on 11Mar69. Despite winning elections in Dec73, was unable to form an effective government and resigned on 10Apr74. d. in Jerusalem on 8Dec78.
Melchior, Michael: Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in Sharon govt (Mar01-). b.1954, Denmark; trained as a rabbi in Jerusalem; Chief Rabbi of Norway (1980-). Intl Director of the Elie Wiesel Foundation. Chairman of Meimad, a modern-Orthodox party, since 1996; became a faction of One Israel in 1999. MK from May99; Minister in the Office of the PM, responsible for Diaspora and social affairs (Aug99-Mar01).
Meridor, Dan: a ‘Likud prince’. b.1947, Jlem; a lawyer. Cabinet secretary to Begin (1982-3) & Shamir (1983-4); MK from 1984. Justice minister (1988-92), wh became a long-time opponent of Netanyahu; Finance Minister (Jun96-Jun97); resigned in 1997.
Mofaz, Shaul: Lt.-Gen. & Chief of General Staff in IDF. b. 1948, Iran; immigrated to Isr in 1957. Fought in the Negev in 1967 war; then became commander of paratroop units. Infantry brigade commander in 1982 invasion of Lebanon. Repeatedly calls for the destruction of the PA; Peres allegedly claims he is in favour of assassinating ‘Arafat.
Mordechai, Yitzhak: Defence Minister under Netanyahu. b. 1944, Iraqi Kurdish region. Became major-general in IDF, & joined Likud. MK from May96, Defence Minister (Jun96-Jan99); left government after vote of no confidence to take the lead of the new centrist party. Dropped out of Prime Ministerial election to give support to Barak; & became transport minister in Barak govt (Jul99-May00). Convicted in 2001 of sexual assaults on female staff; but only received a suspended sentence.
Ne’eman, Ya’akov: non-party Finance Minister from 1997-8.
Netanyahu, Binjamin: b.21Oct49 in Tel Aviv, Israel, but his family moved to the US in 1963. Served in army from 1967-72 (and led the disastrous raid on Ben Gurion airport attackers on May72); returned to US to study at MIT in 1972. His brother Jonathan was killed in the Entebbe raid (Jul76). Worked as a marketing manager of a furniture company (1979-82), then deputy head of Israeli embassy in the US. Became Israel's permanent representative to the UN in 1984, and deputy minister of foreign affairs from 1988. Ran in Likud's internal elections for prime ministerial candidate in 1991; party leadership from 1993, and PM from 23Jun96 (elected 29May96 in 1st direct prime ministerial elections). Lost to Barak in May99 elections. Pioneered the motion through Likud Central Committee on 12May02 to reject in perpetuity a Palestinian state west of the Jordan. Finance minister in the Likud government from Feb03.
Olmert, Ehud: Likud mayor of Jerusalem; ran for Likud leadership in 1999, but lost.
Peres, Shimon. Labour leader, twice former PM. b.1923 in Vishniva, Poland (now Belorussia); immigrated w family in 1934. Studied at the Ben Shemen Agricultural School, & was among founders of Kibbutz Alumot in the Jord Valley. Elected Secretary of the Labour Youth Movement in 1943; formed close alliance w David Ben-Gurion, wh served as his mentor. Responsible for arms purchases & recruitment (holding position of head of Haganah's manpower division) in 1948 war, & was immediately appointed head of naval services. In 1949, he headed the Defence Ministry's procurement delegation to the US & while there studied at the New York School for Social Research & Harvard Uni. Deputy Director-General of the Min. of Defence (1952-53), Director-General (1953-59). Initiated estt of the Isri Aircraft Industries & Isr’s nuclear project, & built relations w France. Devised the 1956 invasion of Sinai. An MK since 1959; served as Deputy Min of Defence (1959-65). In 1965 he left Mapai & was elected S-G of Rafi (the Isr Workers’ List), which later merged with Mapai to form the Isr Labour Party. Successive served Min. of Immigrant Absorption (1969); Min. of Transport & Communications (1970-74); Min. of Information & Min. of Defence (1974-77), wh invd w Egy-Isr Interim Agreement (1975), Entebbe operation (1976), & invasions of Lebanon (1977). Elected chairman of the Labour Alignment (1977). In 1984 Natl Unity Govt, served first as PM (1984-86; inc partial w/drawal from Leb), & then as Vice PM & Min of Foreign Affairs (1986-88). In Natl Unity Govt of 1988-90, was Vice PM & Min of Finance; then leader of oppn 1990-92. Appointed Min. of Foreign Affairs in Rabin govt (Jul92), wh he was invd in the expulsion of 415 Pns into Marj al-Zahur, Leb. After Rabin’s assassination, served as Acting PM & Min. of Defence, bombarding Leb in “Operation Grapes of Wrath”, and slaughtering Lnese refugees in Qana. Lost the general election of May 1996. Served as Min. of Regional Cooperation under Barak (Jul99 - Mar01); & was most prominent Labour leader to join Sharon’s govt in Mar01, wh he served as Min. of Foreign Affairs & Deputy PM. Former Vice-President of the Socialist International.
Rabin, Yitzhak: b.1922 in Jerusalem. In 1941, Rabin joined the Palmach, and was deputy commander of the Palmach in 1947-1948 where he commanded the expulsion of Palestinians from Lod and Ramle areas. IDF Chief-of-staff in 1967 war, and won the Labour election for leadership after Golda Meir's resignation (3Jun74). Resigned 8Apr77 after allegations of corruption, with his wife holding US bank accounts. As Israeli defense minister, he launched the ‘Iron Fist’ policy in Aug85, ordering his troops to "break the bones" of Palestinian demonstrators. After winning elections, took charge as PM on 13Jul92; assassinated 4Nov95.
Ramon, Haim: powerful Minister at the PM’s office under Barak (1999-Mar01), responsible for Jlem. b.1950, Tel Aviv. Minister of Health (Jul92-94); chairman of Histadrut (Jul94-Nov95), Minister of Interior (Nov95-Jun96). Resented by many Labour activists for his tenure at Histadrut, which he is credited with dismantling. Challenged Ben-Eliezer for party leadership at the 2Jul02 Labour conference, on a pro-separation platform, supporting a fence between Israel & its major settlements and the rest of the occupied territories.
Rubenstein, Amnon: founder of Shinui. b.1931, Tel Aviv; trained as lawyer at HUJI; PhD in law from LSE & professor from 1961 at Tel Aviv U. Founded Shinui in 1974; MK since 1977. Ministerial posts for communications (1984-8) & education (1992-6).
Sarid, Yossi: former Chairman of Meretz. b.1940, Rehovot, Isr; became a journalist. MK since 1974; was a Labour party member, leaving to join Ratz in 1984. Ministerial posts inc for the environment (1993-6) & education (1999-Jun00) in the Barak govt, despite his election pledge not to join a coalition wh included Shas. Has moved Meretz towards the centre since 2001, making 'Arafat his main target for criticism rather than Sharon, even though he is leader of the opposition. Profile in MEI 678:11. Resigned as leader of Meretz following poor performance in Jan03 elections.
Shahak, Amnon Lipkin: IDF Chief-of-Staff until 1998; appointed by Yitzhak Rabin after Oslo to negotiate the Gaza-Jericho w/drawals.
Shalom, Silvan: (Likud) Min of Finance & Deputy PM under Sharon (Mar01-). b. 1958, Tunisia. MK from 1992. Under Netanyahu, was Deputy Min. of Defence (1997-1998) & Minister of Science (1998-Jul99).
Shamir, Yitzhak: b. 1915 in Ruzinoy, a village in eastern Poland (now Belarus), as Yitzhak Yezernitsky. Moved to Palestine in 1935, joining Irgun in 1937; involved in several attacks against civilians. In 1940, Shamir joined Lehi (Stern Gang), becoming one of its 3 commanders in 1942 on Stern's death. Twice arrested for his activities by the British (1941, 1946 when imprisoned in Eritrea following Lehi's killing of Lord Moyne) but escaped both times, and fled to France in 1946. Returned when Israel was established, and worked for Mossad from 1955 (acted as an agent in Europe) until 1965. Then left to run a mattress factory. Joined Herut in 1969, and elected to Knesset in 1973. Elected chairman of Herut's party executive Mar75, and became speaker of the Knesset from 1977. Opposed the Camp David Accords, but was still appointed foreign minister from Mar80, a position he retained in Likud's 2nd government from 1981. PM from 10Oct83 with Begin's resignation. Held rotating premiership under the Unity government (from 1984, as PM from Oct86), and as sole PM from 1988. Lost elections in 1992, and resigned as leader of Likud in 1993.
Sharansky, Natan (Anatoly): Founder & leader of the Russian Immigrants Party (Yisrael Ba-Aliya); Minister of Housing & Construction, & Deputy PM under Sharon (Mar01-). b.1948, Ukraine. Comp.Sci. graduate from Moscow. Founded & led Jewish movement in Helsinki Monitoring Group. Engaged in Zionist activities in Russia, was denied right to leave for Isr in 1973; & arrested in 1977 for treason & espionage (found guilty in 1978; sentenced to 13 years imprisonment). US backed campaign for his release, led by his wife Avital; released on 11Feb86, travelling straight to Isr. Led Zionist ex-Soviet orgs in Isr from 1988, strongly pressed mass immigration (from 1989). Min. of Industry & Trade under Netanyahu (Jun96-1999), Interior Minister from Jul99 (wh voted against the Sharm al-Shaykh implementation deal in the cabinet) until resigned in Jul00.
Sharon, Ariel: b.1928 as Ariel Sheinerman in Kfar Mallal, a moshav in central Pal, after parents emigrated from Tbilisi, Georgia, in 1922. Joined Haganah wh aged 14; wounded at Latrun in 1948; recruited to found Unit 101 in 1953, whilst studying histy at Hebrew Uni, Jlem: led attacks on Qibya (10/53) and Gaza, being blamed in this latter operation by Moshe Sharett for the escalation of the conflict w Egy. Went on to study in Camberly, UK; and law at Tel Aviv. IDF posns: Commander of armoured brigades (1962); Head of Nn Command Staff (1964); Head of Sn Command Staff (1969); commander on Suez front in 1973 war. Formerly a member of Mapai, was elected as an MK in 12/73 & sat w Likud, tho resigned in 1974. Served as Rabin's special security adviser (1975-77). Formed a new party, Shlomzion, in 1976 wh gained two seats in 1977 elections; tho rejoined Likud & entered Begin's govt as MoAgriculture & Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Settlements (1977-81), wh strongly supported Gush Emunim. Then MoDefence in the 2nd Begin govt (1981-82): masterminded invasion of Leb in Jun82. An official Commission of Inquiry (the Kahan Commission) held him indirectly responsible in Feb83 for the Sabra & Shatila massacres → resigned from his post but remained Minister without portofolio until 1984. In natl unity govt, Peres appointed him MoTrade & Industry (1984-May90); then as MoConstruction & Housing for Likud (1990-92). In Knesset, was member of Foreign Affairs & Defence committee (1990-92), & chair of the committee overseeing Jewish immigration from SU. In Netanyahu’s govt, was MoNatl Infrastructure (1996-98), and Minister for Foreign Affairs (10/98-5/99). Interim (5/99) then elected (9/99) chairman of Likud; won 62.5% of votes in PM election of 2/2001. Occupies a property in Jerusalem's Muslim Quarter and is Israel's wealthiest cattle farmer.
Sheetrit, Meir: (Likud) Minister of Justice in the Sharon govt (Mar01-). b.1948, Morocco; immigrated to Isr in 1957. MA in Pol.Sci. from Bar-Ilan Uni; served in the IDF, wh became a captain. Mayor of Yavneh (1974-87); Treasurer of Jewish Agency (1988-92). Elected to the Knesset in 1981, & became Deputy Speaker (1996-Feb99) & then minister of Finance from Feb99-Jul99 under Netanyahu. Seen as heading the "pragmatic" wing of Likud.
Shohat, Avraham: Finance Minister under Barak (1999-01), and a Barak loyalist.
Sneh, Ephraim: (Labour) Minister of Transportation in Sharon govt (Mar01-): b. 1944, Tel Aviv; son of Moshe Sneh (Communist leader; d.1972). Trained in medicine from Tel Aviv University, and served as an officer in the IDF until 1987, reaching the rank of Brigadier-General (inc Commander of Medical Teams during Entebbe Operation, 1976; Chief Medical Officer of the IDF Northern Command from 1980, Commander of S.Leb Zone from 1981; Head of the WBnk Civil Administration 1985-87). MK from 1992; Minister of Health from Jun93-96; Deputy Minister of Defence (Aug99-Mar01). Is a leading exponent of the imminent "clash of civilisations" between the West and Islam, and gets particularly hysterical over Iran.
Suissa, Eli: leader of the rightwing faction of Shas. Minister responsible for Jlem affairs in Sharon govt (Mar01-). b.1956, Morocco; immigrated to Isr same year. IDF officer, Army Chaplain of Nn Command. Minister of Religious Affairs (Aug96-Aug97, Sept98-Jul99); Minister of the Interior (1996-Jul99); Minister of Natl Infrastructure (Jul99 until resigned in Jul00).
Vilnay, Matan: IDF Chief-of-Staff from 1998; became minister of Science in Sharon govt (Mar01-).
Yishai, Eliyahu: Chairman of Shas; Interior Minister & Deputy PM under Sharon (Mar01-). b. Jlem, 1962; served in the IDF & studied at Yeshivat Hanegev & Yeshivat Porat Yosef. Member of Jlem Municipal Council (1991), S-G of Shas (1993-1994) & Director General of El Hama'ayan, the Shas-affiliated educational institution (1995-1996). Elected to the Knesset in 1996; served as Min. of Labour & Social Affairs under Netanyahu (Jun96-Jul99); Min. of Labour & Soc Affairs from Jul99 until resigned in Jul00. Announced plans to strip Palestinians with Israeli citizenship or residency who engage in "anti-Israeli activities" of their status; and to deny residency to Palestinians who marry Israeli nationals (Aug02).
Yosef, Rabbi Ovadia: religious leader of Shas, who led the party into coalition w Rabin & formerly supported Oslo process, esp wh he declared that there was no religious prohibition on giving back the OTs. From 2000, has changed to become virulently anti-Arab, referring to them as “snakes”, claiming God regretting creating Arabs, and calling for their wholesale destruction.
Ze'evi, Rechavam: Minister of Tourism in Sharon govt (Mar01-Oct01); chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu. b. 1926, Jlem; graduated from US army, but then shifted to work for IDF as an officer, & became a Major-General. Advisor to PM Rabin on “Anti-Terror” Matters and Intelligence (1974-77). MK from 1988 as Chairman of the Moledet faction. Minister w/o Portfolio under Shamir from Feb91-Jan92. An extreme natlist, calling for the mass “transfer” of Pns out of “Eretz Isr”. Assassinated by the PFLP in Oct01.
Labour Party (Mifleget Ha’avoda Hayisraelit): formed in 1968, after merger of: i) Mapai (Mifleget Poalei Eretz Yisrael): dominant partner; estd 1930, w merger of Ahdut Ha’avoda (Unity of Labour) and Hapoel Hatsair (Young Worker, w Levi Eshkol among the leaders); dominant party in yishuv & early State period under Ben-Gurion, & formed the Labour Alignment by entering into a joint electoral list w Ahdut Ha’avoda-Zionist Labour in 1965, under influence of veteran leaders, Eshkol & Meir; ii) Rafi (Israel Workers List): formed by Ben-Gurion after leaving Mapai in 1965 due to party convention’s decisions on Lavon Affair & joint election list w Ahdut Ha’avoda-Zionist Labour; however, cooperated w Labour Alignment in forming 1967 unity govt prior to the war so that Dayan cd become defence minister; at merger, led by Moshe Dayan & Shimon Peres; merger occurred despite Ben-Gurion’s oppn, wh thus supported formation of a breakaway faction, the State List; and iii) Ahdut Ha’avoda-Zionist Labour, wh had been in Labour Alignment w Mapai since 1965, to stave off young dissidents’ challenge. After this merger, entered into an alignment w Mapam (the Labour Alignment, again) in 1969, wh lasted until 1984. Lost a great deal of support in 1976-7 w extensive corruption allegations, & in 1979-80 bitter battle b/w Peres & Rabin for leadership. Won 47 seats in 1981; 44 seats in 1984; 44 seats in 1992 election; 34 seats in 1996. Formed the One Nation slate for 1999 elections under Ehud Barak, which won 26 seats (23 of which are Labour members). W Gesher leaving the One Nation slate in 2000, & its reduction to Labour & Meimad, it held 24 seats in total by 2001; leadership passed to Benyamin Ben Eliezer. It slumped in the 2003 election to 19 seats, under the leadership of Amram Mitzna.
Likud - The Natl Camp: formed as a political bloc in 1973, out of Gahal, which reestablished itself in the wake of the war to broaden its base of support by incorporating smaller parties: the Free Centre, the State List, & the Labour Movement for Greater Isr. Only became a unified party in 1990. Gahal (estd 1965) itself was a joint electoral list & parliamentary bloc of Herut (the Freedom Party, estd 1948 by Menachem Begin & other leaders of the Irgun) & the Liberal Party, itself a result of the 1961 merger of the General Zionists (estd 1929 as a party, & strong in early50s in Knesset, but excluded from coalitions due to its hostility to socialism) & the Progressive Party. Gahal took part in 1967-70 unity govt, & despite its oppn to the Labour movement, organised a faction w/in Histadrut from 1965. Splits w Camp David Agreement, w faction led by Geula Cohen helping form (w Gush Emunim & some Labour Movement for Greater Isr) the Hatehiya (Revival) party (wh participated in Shamir govt until it entered Madrid process). Joined in 1988 by Tami, a Sephardi N.Afr party. Won 48 seats in 1981; 41 seats in 1984; 32 seats in 1992 election; 32 seats in 1996; 19 in 1999; 38 in 2003 (up to 40 with the incorporation of Israel B’Aliyah).
Shas (Sephardi Association of the Observers of the Torah): led by Eli Yishai, but formerly by Aryeh Der’i, based in Sephardi Orthodox community. Under spiritual leadership of its 1984 founder, former Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Isr Ovadia Yosef. Initially also under spiritual mentorship from revered Askenazi Yeshiva head, Rabbi Eliezer Shach. Participated in Shamir, Rabin & Netanyahu govts; won 6 seats in 1992 election, and joined Labour coalition; 10 seats in 1996; 17 seats in 1999 & joined Labour coalition, taking a vigorously anti-Meretz posn, until turned against Barak over negotiations w Pns. Led by the Council of Torah Sages. Other prominent figures include Eli Suissa (rightist), Shlomo Benizri, Yitzhak Cohen. Slumped to 11 seats in 2003, and displaced by Shinui within the new Likud-led coalition.
National Religious Party (Mafdal). Formed from 1956 merger of Hamizrahi (estd 1902 w/in Zionist congress for religious Zionists) & Hamizrahi Worker (religious labour federation, estd 1922). Participated in all but one Labour govt & all Likud govts. Led by Joseph Burg from 1977-88. Has gradually declined from being main religious party, losing its posn to the ultraorthodox & Sephardi parties; & has shifted to the pro-occupationist, now dominated by the settler movement. Won 12 seats in 1977; 6 seats in 1981; 4 seats in 1984; 6 seats in 1992 election; 9 seats in 1996; 5 seats in 1999 & joined One Isr coalition under the leadership of Yitzhak Levy; 6 seats in 2003, joining the Likud-led coalition govt. Other leaders inc Haim Druckman.
Meretz. Formed wh 3 parties decided to establish a joint electoral list in 1992: Mapam (United Workers Party, estd 1948 as a Marxist-Leninist Zionist party, mostly out of Ha-Shomer Ha-Zair, wh had advocated binatlism), Ratz (the Civil Rights Movement, estd 1973 by Shulamit Aloni) and Shinui. Won 12 seats in 1992 election, and joined Labour coalition; 9 seats in 1996. Has been led mostly by Shulamit Aloni; also prominence for Yossi Sarid (long-time leader), Meron Benvenisti, Amnon Rubinstein, Ran Cohen. Despite Shinui’s break from Meretz, won 10 seats in 1999 elections, & joined governing coalition. Left coalition in Jun00, so as to enable One Isr to keep Shas in the coalition, continuing to support Barak until his fall. 6 seats in 2003, having lost half its vote; Sarid resigned.
Shinui (Reform): A centrist party; estd 1974 out of antigovt protestors in 1973 war; then led by Professor Amnon Rubinstein. Strongly contributed to the Democratic Movement for Change (formed 1976 on an anti-corruption platform, led by Yigal Yadin) wh won 15 seats in ‘77 elections & became 3rd largest party, & joined Likud coalition. However, fragmented after 1979, w Shai emerging from former Shinui members, critical of DMC for joining Likud govt. Thereafter entered into Meretz slate in 1992, & DMC collapsed. Reemerged as an independent force for the 1999 elections, with Tommy (Yosef) Lapid as its primary spokesperson. Main campaign is against the privileges accorded to religious people in society. Won 6 seats in 1999 elections, & refused to join a coalition wh inc Shas; otherwise pro-free market. 15 seats in 2003, to become the 3rd party, taking a leading role in the new Likud-led govt.
Israel B’Aliyah (Russian Immigrants Party): led by Nathan Shcharansky & won 7 seats in 1996 election & entered into governing coalition with Likud; & 6 seats in 1999 elections (tho 2MKs defected immediately and formed the independent “Democratic Choice” faction), joining Barak govt. Strongly opposes religious legislation, as many Russians immigrants do not qualify as Jews under the narrow Orthodox definition. 2 seats in 2003; joined into the Likud camp.
National Unity - Yisrael Beitenu: coalition of forces formed the Likud right & Moledet before 1999 elections, led by Avigdor Lieberman; also Rechavam Ze'evi. Won 7 seats in 1999 elections. 7 seats in 2003, joining the Likud-led coalition govt.
Hadash (Democratic Front for Peace and Equality): Won 4 seats in 1992 election; 5 seats in 1996; 3 seats in 1999; 3 seats in 2003. Led by Muhammad Baraka. Created as an electoral bloc in 1977 from Rakah (the New Communist List, the dominant partner), an Arab party itself formed after breaking w Communist party (Maki), wh refused to acknowledge specific Arab grievances (& ceased to exist shortly after), in 1965; & various smaller Arab, Druze & Jewish parties. Was pro-SU, thus supporting SCR242 & a Pn St in the OTs. Still communist-led. Azmi Bishara split from Hadash list in Dec98.
Natl Democratic Assembly (Land, Balad): formed by Azmi Bishara in 1996 to promote Arab natl identity & pol equality. Ran on Hadash list in 1996 elections, & awarded 1 seat on this basis; but split from Hadash list in Dec98. Tactical alliance w Ahmad Tibi, former advisor on Isri affairs to ‘Arafat; Bishara ran for Prime Minister in 1999 elections, before dropping out t/w end of campaign. Gained 2 seats (Bishara & Tibi) wh ran separately in 1999 elections; but Tibi left to form separate “Arab Movement for Renewal”; 3 seats in 2003.
United Torah Judaism / Torah Bloc (Yahadut Hatora): A joint list of Agudat Yisrael (estd 1912; in govt 1949-52, 1977-92) w Degel Hatora (Flag of the Torah), a faction of Agudat Yisrael led by ultraorthodox Rabbi Eliezer Shach; main base in the religious colleges. Led by the “Council of Torah Sages”. Won 4 seats in 1992 election; 4 seats in 1996; 6 seats in 1999, initially joining One Isr coalition, but left after govt violations of the Sabbath. Supported Sharon in the 2001 elections. Won 5 seats in 2003.
Third Way: founded by Yehuda Harel & Avigdor Kahalani to oppose a withdrawal from the Golan Heights for 1996 elections. Joined Netanyahu govt in 1996, but failed to win any seats in 1999 elections.
United Arab List: Won 2 seats in 1992 election; 4 seats in 1996; 5 seats in 1999; 2 seats in 2003. Founded in 1988 by ‘Abd al-Wahhab Darawshe, wh quit Labour in support of the intifada in Jan88; also prominence for ‘Abd al-Malik Dahamsha & Talib al-Sana‘a in the Knesset; & Shaykh Nimr Darwish of Kufr Qasem. Islamist-backed. Has a majority on Nazareth council.
Moledet (Homeland): extreme nationalist right wing party, run by retd Gen. Rehavem Zeevi in 1988 until his death, calling for ‘voluntary’ transfer of Pns by offering economic incentives; won 2 seats in 1988, 3 seats in 1992 election; 2 seats in 1996. Joined 1990 Shamir govt, but resigned wh entered Madrid process.
Gesher: led by David Levy; entered into a coalition with Likud prior to the 1996 elections, and awarded seats by them subsequently. Joined Labour electoral list in 1999; but left to re-establish itself as a 1 MK separate party.
Tzomet (Movement for Zionist Renewal): founded (1984) & led by Rafael Eytan. Strongly secular party, basing its nationalism on opposition to Arabs. Supports concept of Greater Isr, but not against all forms of Pn autonomy per se. Initially ran with Hatehiya, but joined Shamir’s 1990 govt until Madrid process; won 8 seats in 1992 election. Entered into a coalition with Likud prior to the 1996 elections, and awarded seats by them subsequently.
Centre Party: created by Amnon Lipkin Shahak & Yitzhak Mordechai for 1999 elections. Won 6 seats, & joined governing coalition; led by Dan Meridor and Roni Milo in the Knesset. Dalia Rabin-Pelossof soon split off to form a separate 1-person faction in the Knesset, “New Way”.