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Ichak ShamirIsraeli politician, the eighth and tenth Prime Minister of Israel
Date of Birth: 15.10.1915
Country:  Israel |
Content:
- Early Life and Underground Activities
- Terrorism and Imprisonment
- Business and Immigration
- Return to Politics and Rise in Likud
- Foreign Minister and Prime Minister
- Peace Process and Resignation
- Retirement and Legacy
Early Life and Underground Activities
Yitzhak Shamir was born in 1915 in Poland. As a young man, he joined the "Betar" Zionist youth movement and emigrated to Palestine in 1935. In Palestine, he joined the "Irgun Zvai Leumi" underground organization, fighting against the British mandate. In 1940, he joined the more radical "LEHI" group (Stern Gang), becoming one of its leaders.
Terrorism and Imprisonment
During his time with LEHI, Shamir participated in terrorist attacks against British soldiers and officials. He was arrested several times but escaped on two occasions. In the wake of LEHI's assassination of UN mediator Count Folke Bernadotte, Shamir was arrested and sentenced to death. However, the sentence was commuted to life imprisonment.
Business and Immigration
After his release from prison in 1948, Shamir dabbled in business but ultimately joined Israel's intelligence agency, "Mossad," in 1955. He rose to the position of deputy head before retiring in 1965.
Return to Politics and Rise in Likud
In 1973, Shamir returned to politics with the right-wing "Herut" party. He became chairman of the party in 1977 and led it into an alliance with other right-wing parties, forming the "Likud" bloc.
Foreign Minister and Prime Minister
In 1980, Shamir was appointed Foreign Minister under Prime Minister Menachem Begin. He adopted a hardline stance, opposing the return of territories captured in the 1967 war to the Palestinians or Arabs.
In 1983, Shamir succeeded Begin as Prime Minister. His first tenure was short-lived, as he lost the 1984 elections to Shimon Peres. However, he returned to power in 1986 and held the post until 1992.
Peace Process and Resignation
During his second term, Shamir participated in the Madrid Peace Conference in 1991. While he maintained a hardline stance, he agreed to limited Palestinian autonomy. However, his government collapsed in 1992 due to internal divisions over the peace process.
Retirement and Legacy
After stepping down as Prime Minister, Shamir remained active in politics but gradually faded from the public eye. He died in 2016 at the age of 96, leaving behind a controversial legacy as a former terrorist and a committed Zionist leader.
