Who was Menachem Begin?

Menachem Begin (1913–1992) was an Israeli politician, statesman, and the sixth Prime Minister of Israel, serving from 1977 to 1983. He was a significant figure in Israeli history and played a crucial role in the country's early political landscape.

Key Points about Menachem Begin:

Early Life and Zionist Activities: Born in Brest, Belarus (then part of the Russian Empire), Begin grew up in a Zionist household. He studied law at the University of Warsaw and became actively involved in Zionist youth movements, eventually joining Betar, a Revisionist Zionist group led by Ze'ev Jabotinsky.

Leadership of the Irgun: During World War II, Begin was imprisoned by the Soviets but was later released and made his way to British-controlled Palestine. In 1943, he became the leader of the Irgun (Etzel), a Jewish underground paramilitary organization that fought against the British Mandate authorities in Palestine. The Irgun was known for its militant tactics, including the 1946 bombing of the King David Hotel in Jerusalem.

Political Career: After the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, Begin transitioned to politics, founding the Herut party, which later evolved into the Likud party. For many years, he was in the opposition, known for his fiery oratory and staunch right-wing positions.

Prime Minister: In 1977, Begin's Likud party won a historic election, marking the first time a right-wing party took power in Israel. As Prime Minister, he initiated several major policies and events:

Camp David Accords (1978): One of Begin's most significant achievements was the signing of the Camp David Accords with Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, mediated by U.S. President Jimmy Carter. This led to the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty in 1979, the first peace agreement between Israel and an Arab country, for which Begin and Sadat received the Nobel Peace Prize.

Operation Peace for Galilee (1982): Begin authorized the invasion of Lebanon to root out the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization), leading to a protracted conflict in Lebanon.

Retirement and Legacy: After the death of his wife and amid growing criticism of the Lebanon War, Begin resigned in 1983 and withdrew from public life. He spent his remaining years in seclusion and died in 1992.

Menachem Begin is remembered as a complex figure, embodying both the militant fight for Jewish independence and the pursuit of peace with Israel's neighbors. His leadership marked a turning point in Israeli politics, shifting the balance from decades of left-wing dominance to a new era of right-wing influence.