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Esteemed diplomat and former Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Arens dies at 93

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Former Israeli defense minister Moshe Arens, speaks at a press conference in Tel Aviv Monday Jan. 11, 1999 where he announced his candidacy for the post of Prime Minister in the upcoming elections. Arens was instrumental in helping Benjamin Netanyahu win the premiership in 1996, but the two men parted ways shortly afterwards.(AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

Esteemed diplomat and former Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Arens dies at 93

01/07/2019 .   3:52:34 AM  UPDATED ON 01/07/2019 .  3:52:45 AM

Considered to be a protégé of Arens, Netanyahu mourned the loss of an Israeli patriot on Monday

 

Former Israeli Defense and Foreign Minister Moshe Arens died Monday at the age of 93.

A veteran member of the right’s Likud party, Arens was commemorated as a “gentlemen” of Israeli politics.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, considered by some to be Arens’ protégé in the political system, mourned the loss, remembering the minister as a true patriot and close friend.

Arens served as Israel’s ambassador to the United States in 1982 during Ronald Reagan’s presidency. After his appointment to the role, Arens brought a young Netanyahu to work for him in Washington.

“A few weeks ago I visited Moshe in his home, and he was as lucid as ever- sharp as a razor- magnificent in his splendor and nobility. An exemplary figure, there was no greater patriot than he,” Netanyahu remembered. “You have been very kind to me, you loved me as a father loves his son.”

Leaders of Israeli Likud ruling party, left to right, Defense Minister Moshe Arens, Housing Minister Ariel Sharon, Foreign Minister David Levy and Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir sit in Tel Aviv on Monday, Feb. 10, 1992 at the first of three Likud Party con  AP Photo/Nati Harnik

Arens served as a perennial fixture of Israeli politics from his election to the parliament in 1974 until he lost his parliament seat for a final time in the 2003 elections.

After his election to the Knesset, he served as chairman of the Defense and Foreign Affairs Committees.

In 1982, Arens served as Israel’s ambassador to the United States for a year before returning to Israel and assuming the role of defense minister. Arens also served as foreign minister.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak holds a bi-lateral with Israeli Foreign Minister Moshe Arens  AP Photo/David Cantor

Arens, who studied mechanical engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and aeronautical engineering at the California Institute of Technology, played a significant role in the the advancement of Israel’s aircraft industry.

As Deputy Director-General at Israel Aircraft Industries, Arens contributed to and oversaw major projects, including the development of the Kfir combat aircraft.

 

Source: i24News

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