# Levi Eshkol

> Israeli politician, a founder of the Israeli Labor Party and Prime Minister (1895-1969)

**Wikidata**: [Q191123](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q191123)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levi_Eshkol)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/levi-eshkol

## Summary
Levi Eshkol was an Israeli politician who co-founded the Israeli Labor Party and served as Prime Minister of Israel from 1963 until his death in 1969. A key figure in the establishment of the State of Israel, he played a pivotal role in shaping the country's early political and diplomatic landscape.

## Biography
- Born: October 25, 1895, in the Russian Empire (now Ukraine)
- Nationality: Israeli
- Education: Studied at the University of Kharkiv and the University of Geneva
- Known for: Founding the Israeli Labor Party and serving as Prime Minister of Israel
- Employer(s): Israeli government, Israeli Labor Party
- Field(s): Politics, diplomacy

## Contributions
- **Founder of the Israeli Labor Party**: Co-established the party in 1930, which became a dominant force in Israeli politics.
- **Prime Minister of Israel**: Served from 1963 until his assassination in 1969, overseeing critical periods of Israeli diplomacy and conflict resolution.
- **Key Negotiator**: Played a central role in the 1967 Six-Day War and subsequent peace negotiations.
- **Honorary Citizenship**: Granted honorary citizenship of Jerusalem in recognition of his contributions to the city.

## FAQs
**What political party did Levi Eshkol found?**
Levi Eshkol co-founded the Israeli Labor Party in 1930, which became a major political force in Israel.

**When did Levi Eshkol serve as Prime Minister of Israel?**
He served as Prime Minister from 1963 until his assassination in 1969.

**What was Levi Eshkol's role in the Six-Day War?**
He played a key role in the Israeli government's response to the 1967 Six-Day War, which significantly expanded Israeli territory.

**What honors did Levi Eshkol receive?**
He was granted honorary citizenship of Jerusalem and received multiple awards, including the National Order of Madagascar and the National Order of Chad.

**What was Levi Eshkol's educational background?**
He studied at the University of Kharkiv and the University of Geneva, though the source material does not specify his exact degrees.

## Why They Matter
Levi Eshkol was a foundational figure in the political and diplomatic history of Israel. His leadership during critical periods, including the Six-Day War and subsequent peace negotiations, shaped the country's trajectory. As a co-founder of the Israeli Labor Party, he helped establish the political framework that continues to influence Israeli governance. His assassination in 1969 left a lasting impact on Israeli politics, underscoring the fragility of peace efforts in the region. His contributions to Jerusalem's development and international recognition further cement his legacy as a key architect of modern Israel.

## Notable For
- Co-founder of the Israeli Labor Party, a major political force in Israel
- Prime Minister of Israel from 1963 to 1969, overseeing critical diplomatic and military decisions
- Key negotiator in the Six-Day War and subsequent peace processes
- Recipient of honorary citizenship of Jerusalem and multiple international awards
- Played a pivotal role in shaping Israel's early political and diplomatic landscape

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Levi Eshkol was born on October 25, 1895, in the Russian Empire, which is now part of Ukraine. He studied at the University of Kharkiv and later at the University of Geneva, though the source material does not specify his exact degrees or areas of study.

### Political Career
Eshkol co-founded the Israeli Labor Party in 1930, which became a dominant political force in Israel. He served as a member of the Knesset, Israel's parliament, and held various ministerial positions, including Minister of Defense and Minister of Foreign Affairs. His political career was marked by his commitment to Zionism and the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine.

### Prime Minister of Israel
Eshkol was appointed Prime Minister of Israel in 1963, succeeding David Ben-Gurion. During his tenure, he oversaw critical periods of Israeli history, including the Six-Day War in 1967, which significantly expanded Israeli territory. He also played a key role in the subsequent peace negotiations, though his efforts were ultimately unsuccessful. His leadership was marked by a focus on diplomacy and conflict resolution, though his assassination in 1969 left a lasting impact on Israeli politics.

### Diplomatic and Military Leadership
As Prime Minister, Eshkol was a central figure in Israel's diplomatic efforts. He negotiated with neighboring countries and international organizations, including the United Nations, to address Israel's security concerns and regional conflicts. His leadership during the Six-Day War demonstrated his strategic acumen and commitment to Israel's defense. However, his efforts to achieve peace were met with challenges, including the ongoing conflict with neighboring states.

### Honors and Recognition
Eshkol received numerous honors and awards throughout his career. He was granted honorary citizenship of Jerusalem, recognizing his contributions to the city's development. He also received the National Order of Madagascar and the National Order of Chad, among other distinctions. These honors reflect his significant influence on Israeli politics and international relations.

### Legacy and Influence
Levi Eshkol's legacy is deeply intertwined with the political and diplomatic history of Israel. As a co-founder of the Israeli Labor Party, he helped establish the political framework that continues to shape Israeli governance. His leadership during the Six-Day War and subsequent peace negotiations demonstrated his strategic vision and commitment to Israel's security. His assassination in 1969 left a lasting impact on Israeli politics, underscoring the fragility of peace efforts in the region. His contributions to Jerusalem's development and international recognition further cement his legacy as a key architect of modern Israel.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. [כל ממשלות ישראל. The Knesset](http://www.knesset.gov.il/govt/heb/GovtByMinistry.asp?ministry=13)
3. [כל ממשלות ישראל. The Knesset](http://www.knesset.gov.il/govt/heb/GovtByMinistry.asp?ministry=1)
4. [חה"כ לוי אשכול (שקולניק). The Knesset](http://www.knesset.gov.il/mk/heb/mk.asp?mk_individual_id_t=683)
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. CiNii Research
8. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
9. SNAC
10. Find a Grave
11. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
12. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
13. Proleksis Encyclopedia
14. Munzinger Personen
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. LIBRIS. 2002