Menachem Begin

ModernPoliticianIsrael1913 — 1992

Israeli prime minister who signed the Camp David Accords.

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Quick Facts

Born

1913

Died

1992

Country

Israel

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)21

Political (20%)70

Influence (20%)82

Legacy (20%)55

Leadership (15%)72

Strategy (15%)39

Total Score61.5

Menachem Begin — Complete Timeline

1946 AD

Irgun Command of the King David Hotel BombingPolitical Action◆ Major

As commander of the Irgun, Begin ordered the bombing of the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, which housed British Mandate offices. The attack killed 91 people and was condemned internationally, but it intensified pressure on Britain to end the Mandate.

IrgunBritish MandateTerrorism

Impact: regionaldestructive

1978 AD

Signing of the Camp David AccordsPolitical Action

As prime minister, Begin signed the Camp David Accords with Egyptian President Anwar Sadat at the White House, brokered by US President Jimmy Carter. The framework led to the 1979 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty, the first between Israel and an Arab state.

Peace TreatyEgyptCamp David

Impact: globalconstructive

1981 AD

Operation Opera (Iraqi Nuclear Reactor Strike)War◆ Major

Begin authorized the Israeli Air Force to bomb the Osirak nuclear reactor near Baghdad, Iraq. The strike destroyed the reactor, preventing Iraq from developing nuclear weapons, but was widely condemned internationally as a violation of sovereignty.

Nuclear ProliferationIraqPreemptive Strike

Impact: regional