Dalia Itzik became the first female speaker of the Knesset on 4 May 2006, marking a significant milestone in Israeli parliamentary history. Throughout her career, she held diverse leadership roles, eventually serving as the acting President of Israel during a brief interim period in 2007, making her the first woman to hold that office in the nation's history.
Early Education and Professional Background
Born in 1952 in Jerusalem, Itzik pursued studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and later at Reichman University. Her early professional life included work as an educator and a trade unionist. She also served on the executive committee of the Israel Broadcasting Authority and acted as a deputy to the mayor of Jerusalem, Teddy Kollek, before transitioning into national politics.
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Itzik served multiple terms as a Knesset member between 1992 and 2013. Her government service included roles as the Minister of the Environment from 1999 to 2001 and Minister of Industry and Trade from 2001 to 2002. Later, she served as the Minister of Communications in 2005. In 2006, she joined the Kadima party and assumed the role of Knesset speaker.
Interim Presidency and Political Conclusion
When President Moshe Katsav took a leave of absence and subsequently resigned in 2007, Itzik, as Knesset speaker, assumed the role of acting president until Shimon Peres took office on 15 July 2007. After serving through the 2009 Knesset term, she announced her departure from politics in December 2012. She later participated in the 2014 Israeli presidential election, securing 28 votes.
Fast facts
- Born: 1952, Jerusalem
- Citizenship: Israel
- Speaker of the Knesset: 2006-2009
- Minister of Communications: 2005
- Languages spoken: English, Hebrew
- Education: Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Reichman University
- Key positions: Politician, educator, trade unionist
Questions readers ask
Was Dalia Itzik ever president of Israel?
She served as acting president of Israel in an interim capacity from 1 July 2007 until 15 July 2007.
What subjects did she study?
She earned a BA in Literature and History from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a BA in law from Reichman University.
Achievements
- Educated at Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Reichman University
- Worked as politician, trade unionist and educator
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