Golda Meir vs Levi Eshkol

Golda Meir became Prime Minister of Israel after the death of Levi Eshkol. She was the first and only woman to hold the office, leading the country during a period of significant tension and conflict in the Middle East.

Meir led Israel during the Yom Kippur War, when Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. Israel initially suffered heavy losses but eventually repelled the attacks, though the war exposed intelligence failures.

Following the Yom Kippur War, the Agranat Commission criticized the government's handling of the conflict. Meir resigned as Prime Minister in 1974, taking responsibility for the failures, though she remained a respected figure in Israeli politics.

Levi Eshkol became the third Prime Minister of Israel in June 1963, succeeding David Ben-Gurion. He led the country during a period of economic growth and military buildup.

Eshkol oversaw the completion of the National Water Carrier, a massive infrastructure project that diverted water from the Sea of Galilee to the Negev desert. This project was crucial for Israel's agricultural development.

Eshkol was Prime Minister during the Six-Day War in June 1967. Despite initial hesitation, he authorized a preemptive strike against Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, resulting in Israel's capture of the Sinai, Gaza, West Bank, and Golan Heights.

Eshkol played a key role in merging Mapai, Ahdut HaAvoda, and Rafi to form the Israeli Labor Party in 1968. This unification strengthened the political left in Israel.

Eshkol died of a heart attack in February 1969 while still in office. He was succeeded by Golda Meir. His death marked the end of a period of consolidation and expansion for Israel.