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

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.

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.”

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.

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.