A controversial Israeli general and politician who served as Minister of Tourism, known for his hardline stance on Palestinian issues and his assassination in 2001.
Rehavam Zeevi was a polarizing figure in Israeli politics, known for founding the far-right nationalist Moledet party and advocating for the controversial policy of population transfer, which aimed to relocate the entire Palestinian population from the Israeli-occupied territories. This ideology earned him the criticism of many, labeling him as a hardliner and an opponent of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
Zeevi's military career began in 1942 when he joined the Palmach, a Jewish paramilitary organization. After the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, he served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and quickly rose through the ranks. In 1964-1968, he served as Chief of the Department of Staff in the Israeli General Staff, and in the late 1960s, he formed the elite Sayeret Kharuv, an anti-terrorism battalion.
In the following years, Zeevi commanded the Central Military District and eventually retired in September 1973. However, he rejoined the IDF shortly after, only to retire again in 1974.
In 1988, Zeevi founded the Moledet party, which advocated for the expulsion of Palestinians from the Israeli-occupied territories. This policy, known as "transfer," was widely condemned by the international community and Israeli opponents alike.
Zeevi served as a Member of the Knesset (Israeli parliament) from 1988 until his assassination in 2001. During his tenure, he was known for his hardline stance on Palestinian issues and his opposition to the Oslo Accords, a set of agreements aimed at establishing peace between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization.
On October 17, 2001, Zeevi was assassinated by Hamdi Quran of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) at a Jerusalem hotel. The assassination was seen as a retaliation for Israel's killing of Abu Ali Mustafa, the Secretary General of the PFLP.
Zeevi's legacy remains controversial, with many viewing him as a champion of Israeli nationalism and others seeing him as a polarizing figure who contributed to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Zeevi was born on June 20, 1926, in Jerusalem to a religious Jewish family. He earned the nickname "Gandhi" due to his resemblance to Mahatma Gandhi, which was solidified by his shaved head and towel-wrapped waist.
Zeevi married and had five children, including Palmach Zeevi, who followed in his father's footsteps and became a member of the Moledet party.
Zeevi's views on population transfer and his stance on Palestinian issues were widely criticized by human rights organizations, the international community, and many Israeli citizens. His party, Moledet, was often accused of promoting racist and xenophobic policies.
Zeevi's legacy continues to be a subject of debate, with some viewing him as a patriot and others seeing him as a symbol of Israeli extremism.
98 Years Old
The 11th Prime Minister of Israel, a military leader who played a key role in shaping the country's history, known for his controversial yet influential decisions that continue to impact the Middle East.
77 Years Old
The 9th Prime Minister of Israel, a dominant figure in Israeli politics, known for his strong leadership and controversial policies. He has been a central figure in shaping Israel's foreign policy and security strategy.
84 Years Old
A decorated military leader who later navigated Israel's complex political landscape as Prime Minister, known for his efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Born in 1923
A Nobel Peace Prize winner who served as Israel's President and Prime Minister, known for his efforts to bring peace to the Middle East through diplomatic negotiations.
Born in 1922
A renowned Israeli leader and peacemaker who played a crucial role in shaping the country's history and was awarded the Nobel Prize for his efforts towards peace in the Middle East.
Born in 1915
A renowned Israeli military leader and statesman who played a key role in shaping Israel's foreign policy and defense strategy, known for his iconic eye patch and daring military operations.
Born in 1915
The 7th Prime Minister of Israel, serving from 1983 to 1984 and again from 1986 to 1992, known for his hardline stance on Palestinian territories and role in shaping Israel's foreign policy.
Born in 1913
A Belarusian-born Israeli politician who served as Prime Minister of Israel and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to establish a peace treaty with Egypt. He's known for his strong leadership and commitment to Israeli security.
