25.6.2026

Yitzhak Shamir (October 22, 1915 - June 30, 2012) was Israel's seventh prime minister, a government minister, opposition head, a senior figure in the Mossad, and a Lehi commander. After serving as Speaker of the Knesset and Foreign Minister, Shamir was elected Israel's seventh Prime Minister after Menachem Begin stepped down from the premiership in October 1983. Shamir served intermittently as prime minister for over six years. Along with his political rival Shimon Peres, Shamir headed a national unity government formed in 1984; Shamir and Peres alternated as prime minister and foreign minister during that time. From 1987-1988 Shamir served as Interior Minister as well. In 1988 his party won the elections, and Shamir first served as head of yet another national unity government (Israel's 23rd government), and then, following a political scandal known as the "dirty trick," as head of a narrow government (Israel's 24th government). Shamir stepped down as leader of the Likud after that party lost the 13th Knesset elections in 1992. Until Benjamin Netanyahu won the Likud primaries in 1993, Shamir served as opposition head. Shamir left the Knesset when the 13th Knesset ended its term in 1996. In 5761 (2001) Shamir was awarded the Israel Prize for his lifetime achievements and his special contribution to Israeli society and the state. Shamir died on 10 Tammuz 5772 – June 30, 2012 at the age of 96, and was buried in Helkat Gedolei Ha'Uma, the section of Mount Herzl reserved for important figures.