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Golda Meir
Serving as Israel’s prime minister from 1969 to 1974, including during the 1973 Arab–Israeli war.
Independence declaration · Foreign affairs
- Born
- 3 May 1898
- Birthplace
- Kyiv, Ukraine
- Died
- 8 December 1978
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Golda Meir was an Israeli political leader who rose through Labour Zionist organisations, trade-union work and government. Her premiership is closely associated with the 1973 war, criticism of Israel’s lack of preparedness and her dismissive approach to Palestinian national identity.
Early life
Kyiv to Milwaukee
Born in the Russian Empire, she moved with her family to the United States in 1906.
Teaching and politics
Trained as a teacher and became involved in Labour Zionism before moving to Mandatory Palestine in 1921.
Career
- 1920s–1940s
Labour movement
Worked in kibbutz and Histadrut organisations before senior Jewish Agency responsibilities.
- 1948–1956
Early state offices
Represented Israel in Moscow, entered the Knesset and served as labour minister.
- 1956–1966
Foreign minister
Led foreign policy before stepping back from cabinet office.
- 1969–1974
Prime minister
Succeeded Levi Eshkol and resigned after the political fallout from the 1973 war.
Offices & milestones
Independence declaration
Was among the signatories of Israel’s declaration of independence.
Foreign affairs
Developed diplomatic relationships, including with newly independent African states.
War and disengagement
Led during the October war and subsequent initial disengagement agreements.
Beyond government
Palestinian identity
Her 1969 denial that a Palestinian people had existed became an enduring focus of criticism.
Postwar accountability
Public anger over the surprise attack and heavy losses contributed to her resignation, despite the inquiry not assigning her direct responsibility for military unpreparedness.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Institutional biography and career record ↗University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee: Golda Meir ↗Photo: Israel Press and Photo Agency (I.P.P.A.) photographer. CC BY 4.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
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