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Dalia ItzikIsraeli statesman and political figure
Date of Birth: 20.10.1952
Country:  Israel |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Political Beginnings
- Entrance into the Knesset
- Ministerial Appointments
- Opposition and Return to Government
- Departure from Labor and Election as Speaker
- Acting President
- Personal Life
Early Life and Education
Dalia Itzik was born on October 20, 1952, in Jerusalem to Gershon and Marcela Balas, Iraqi immigrants. She graduated from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem with degrees in literature and history, and later obtained a law degree from the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya.
Political Beginnings
In Jerusalem, Itzik served as chairperson of the Teachers' Union and as a board member of the Broadcasting Authority. She joined the Labor Party and was elected to the Jerusalem City Council, where she served as deputy mayor under Teddy Kollek.
Entrance into the Knesset
With the support of Shimon Peres, Itzik won the Labor Party primaries and entered the Knesset. In the 14th Knesset, she chaired the Science and Technology Committee.
Ministerial Appointments
In 1999, Itzik served as Minister of Environmental Protection under Ehud Barak. After the 2001 elections, she became Minister of Trade and Industry under Ariel Sharon.
Opposition and Return to Government
In 2003, Labor left the coalition and Itzik became chairperson of the Labor Party faction in the 16th Knesset. In 2005, Labor re-entered the coalition and Itzik was appointed Minister of Communications.
Departure from Labor and Election as Speaker
On November 28, 2005, Itzik announced her departure from Labor and joined Kadima, following Shimon Peres and Haim Ramon. In the 2006 elections, she was placed 14th on Kadima's list and was elected Speaker of the Knesset.
Acting President
After President Moshe Katsav was deemed unable to perform his duties, Itzik, as Speaker, became Acting President of Israel. When Katsav resigned on July 1, 2007, she served as Acting President until Shimon Peres was sworn in.
Personal Life
Itzik is married and has three children. In 1988, she was involved in a car accident that killed Likud MK Michael Reisser and left her seriously injured. Since then, she has refrained from driving.
