Yitzhak Shamir, who served two terms as Israeli prime minster 1983 to 1984, and from 1986 to 1992, died Saturday, the prime minister’s office said.
Born in Poland, Shamir moved to Palestine and fought for Israeli independence. He joined the Likud movement, serving as a member of Israel’s parliament, and also worked for the Mossad, Israel’s intelligence service.
Shamir then went on to succeed Menachem Begin as prime minister in 1983. “Yitzhak Shamir belonged to the generation of giants who established the State of Israel and fought for the freedom of the Jewish people on their land,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a fellow Likud member.
Shamir represented Israel at the International Peace Conference in Madrid in 1991.
Israeli President Shimon Peres called Shamir a “brave warrior.”
“He fought with courage against the British mandate in the days of the underground and his incredible contribution to the State of Israel during his time in the Mossad will remain forever enshrined in the tales of bravery of our nation,” Peres said in a statement.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Shamir dedicated his life to Israel. “From his days working for Israel’s independence to his service as prime minister, he strengthened Israel’s security and advanced the partnership between the United States and Israel,” she said in a statement.
