The lecture will explore various aspects of Moshe Dayan, one of the most influential figures in the history of the first few decades of Israel’s existence as a modern State.
At the same time, Dayan is also one of the most controversial of modern Israel’s historic individuals, though even his fiercest critics would not deny the impact Dayan had on Israel’s development. In fact, Dayan’s story is the story of the State and of Zionism. To a large extent, his personal achievements, as well as his lowest points correspond to Israel’s accomplishments and failures during the state’s initial three decades.
While Dayan never served as prime minister, in his roles as Chief of Staff, Defense Minister and Foreign Minister, he shaped the nation’s principles of security and foreign affairs on an array of key issues, most of which continue to interest us and evoke controversy to this day.
The lecture is based on a forthcoming book based on recently released archival materials and interviews which shed new light on Dayan's involvement in key historical events.
Dr. Eitan Shamir is a senior Lecturer at the Political Science Department, Bar Ilan University and a Senior Research Associate with the Begin Sadat Center for Strategic Studies (BESA Center). Prior to his academic position, he was in charge of the National Security Doctrine Department at the Ministry of Strategic Affairs, Prime Minister Office. Before joining the Ministry, he was a Senior Fellow at the Dado Center for Interdisciplinary Military Studies (CIMS) at the IDF General Headquarters.
In partnership with Bar Ilan University.
