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Binyamin Ben-EliezerIsraeli military and political figure
Date of Birth: 12.02.1936
Country:  Israel |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Post-War Activities and Peace Efforts
- Entry into Politics
- Ministerial Roles in Labor Governments
- Leadership of the Labor Party
- Return to Government and Later Years
Early Life and Military Career
Benjamin Ben-Eliezer was born in Iraq before immigrating to Israel in 1950. In 1954, he enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), joining the Golani Brigade. During the Six-Day War, he commanded the Shaked special forces unit.
Post-War Activities and Peace Efforts
Following the war, Ben-Eliezer established the "Good Fences" initiative along the Israeli-Lebanese border, aiming to foster friendly relations with Lebanese Christians. In 1978, he became the commander of military forces in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, serving until 1982. Despite retiring that year, he continued as coordinator of government activities in the territories at the request of Prime Minister Menachem Begin.
Entry into Politics
Ben-Eliezer entered politics in 1984, initially aligning with Aharon Abuhatzeira. He later joined Ezer Weizman's Yahad party, which merged with Ma'arach after the 1984 elections. Ben-Eliezer became a prominent figure within the new party, contributing to Yitzhak Rabin's election as Labor leader in 1992.
Ministerial Roles in Labor Governments
Following the 1992 elections, Ben-Eliezer served as Minister of Housing under Rabin. In Ehud Barak's government formed in 1999, he became Minister of National Infrastructure.
Leadership of the Labor Party
In 2001, after Labor's election defeat, Ben-Eliezer joined Ariel Sharon's coalition government as Minister of Defense. He also ran and won the Labor leadership race, defeating Avraham Burg. However, he lost the subsequent race for Knesset elections in 2003 to Amram Mitzna.
Return to Government and Later Years
Despite Labor's opposition to the disengagement plan from Gaza in 2005, Ben-Eliezer became Minister of National Infrastructure in a new government formed by Sharon. He served in similar roles in Ehud Olmert's and Benjamin Netanyahu's governments, holding the post of Minister of Industry and Trade, respectively.
