Moshe Dayan remains a signature figure in Israeli military history, recognized globally for the distinctive black patch covering his left eye. Born in 1915 at Degania Alef, he transitioned from a youth in the Haganah defense force to a pivotal commander who directed Israel's operational strategies across decades of conflict and critical diplomatic negotiations.
Military Origins and Injury
At fourteen, Dayan joined the Haganah. During the 1930s Arab revolt, he served in the Special Night Squads alongside Orde Wingate. In 1941, while scouting Vichy French positions in Lebanon, a sniper bullet struck his binoculars, driving glass and metal into his eye. The resulting injury was permanent, necessitating the black eye patch that became his public signature. Following this, he served as a commander in the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and later led the Israel Defense Forces as Chief of the General Staff from 1953 to 1958.
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Dayan held several ministerial roles, beginning as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development between 1959 and 1964. In 1965, he helped establish the Rafi party alongside Shimon Peres. As Minister of Defense from 1967 to 1974, he oversaw military operations during the Six-Day War. He resigned from government in 1974 following political criticism regarding preparedness during the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
Diplomacy and Later Life
In 1977, Dayan joined the Likud-led government under Prime Minister Menachem Begin, serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs until 1979. In this role, he was a key negotiator for the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. Throughout his life, he identified as a Jewish atheist and maintained an interest in archaeology. Dayan held a seat in the Knesset from 1959 until his death in 1981 in Tel Aviv.
Fast facts
- Born: 1915, Degania Alef
- Died: 1981, Tel Aviv
- Chief of the General Staff: 1953-1958
- Minister of Defense: 1967-1974
- Minister of Foreign Affairs: 1977-1979
- Military Rank: General (Rav Aluf)
- Languages: Hebrew, Arabic, English
- Buried: Nahalal cemetery
Questions readers ask
Why did Moshe Dayan wear an eye patch?
He lost his left eye during a 1941 reconnaissance mission in Lebanon when a sniper's bullet hit his binoculars.
What was his primary contribution to Middle Eastern peace?
He served as the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1977 to 1979, where he played a central role in negotiating the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel.
Achievements
- Chief of the General Staff (1953–1958)
- Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (1959–1964)
- Minister of Defense of Israel (1967–1974)
- Knesset member (1959–1981)
- Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour — 1956
- Knight of the Legion of Honour
- Educated at Senior Officers' School
