Moshe Dayan
Moshe Dayan (1915–1981) was one of Israel’s best-known military commanders and political leaders. Born at Degania, the first kibbutz, he grew up in Nahalal, a pioneering farming village. He joined the Haganah, the Jewish defence organisation before Israel’s independence, and lost his left eye while serving during the Second World War. He became Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from 1953 to 1958, Defence Minister from 1967 to 1974, and Foreign Minister from 1977 to 1979. Dayan helped lead Israel’s 1956 Sinai Campaign and played a central role in the Six-Day War of 1967. He also helped open the way to peace with Egypt, Israel’s most powerful Arab military opponent at the time. However, the surprise attack of October 1973 damaged his reputation and raised questions about his judgment. His career reflects both Israel’s determination to defend itself and its willingness to make peace when security could be protected.
