Moshe Dayan

During a joint British-Australian operation against Vichy French forces in Syria, Dayan was hit by a sniper's bullet that destroyed his left eye. The injury required a glass eye and an eyepatch, which became his iconic appearance. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

Dayan was appointed Chief of Staff of the IDF at age 38. He reorganized the military, emphasizing offensive doctrine, paratrooper units, and armored warfare. His reforms shaped the IDF's strategy and effectiveness in subsequent conflicts.

As Chief of Staff, Dayan commanded Israeli forces in the Suez Crisis, a coordinated invasion with Britain and France against Egypt. Israeli forces captured the Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip within seven days. The operation demonstrated Israeli military capability but ended under international pressure.

As Defense Minister, Dayan oversaw Israel's preemptive strike against Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. Israel captured the Sinai, Gaza, West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Golan Heights in six days. The victory reshaped the Middle East and led to ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories.

Dayan resigned as Defense Minister following the Yom Kippur War, in which Israel suffered heavy initial losses. The Agranat Commission criticized military preparedness. Dayan's resignation marked the end of his direct military leadership role, though he later served as Foreign Minister.

As Foreign Minister under Prime Minister Menachem Begin, Dayan participated in the Camp David Accords negotiations with Egypt. The accords led to the Egypt-Israel peace treaty in 1979, the first between Israel and an Arab state. Dayan's diplomatic role was crucial.