Golda Meir’s appointment as Israel’s Prime Minister on March 17, 1969, was a groundbreaking moment in both Israeli and global politics. She became the first woman to hold the office in Israel and only the third woman in history to lead a national government, following Sri Lanka’s Sirimavo Bandaranaike and India’s Indira Gandhi. Meir assumed leadership at a pivotal time, navigating complex regional tensions and a rapidly shifting political landscape.
Born in Kyiv in 1898 and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Meir immigrated to British Mandate Palestine in 1921, where she became deeply involved in the Zionist labor movement. A committed socialist and skilled political strategist, she rose through the ranks of the Histadrut (General Federation of Labor) and later played a key role in pre-state Jewish leadership. She was instrumental in fundraising efforts for the Haganah during Israel’s War of Independence and was among the signatories of Israel’s Declaration of Independence in 1948.
Before becoming prime minister, Meir had a distinguished political career. She served as Israel’s ambassador to the Soviet Union, Minister of Labor, and Foreign Minister, earning a reputation for her blunt pragmatism and resolute leadership. By the late 1960s, she was seen as a unifying figure within the ruling Mapai party, particularly after the death of Prime Minister Levi Eshkol in February 1969. With Israel still grappling with the aftermath of the Six-Day War in 1967, the nation required steady leadership. Given her extensive experience and strong ties with both domestic and international allies, Meir emerged as the consensus choice.
During her tenure as prime minister (1969–1974), Meir faced significant domestic and foreign policy challenges. The War of Attrition with Egypt along the Suez Canal intensified, while tensions with Palestinian militant groups and Arab states remained high. On the home front, she oversaw substantial infrastructure development and continued policies of rapid immigration and settlement expansion. She also reinforced Israel’s strategic relationship with the United States, securing critical military and financial support from the Nixon administration.
However, her legacy remains deeply affected by the Yom Kippur War of October 1973, when Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel. The war led to heavy casualties and initially threatened Israel’s military position. Although Israel ultimately repelled the invasion, intelligence and strategic failures drew harsh public criticism of Meir’s leadership. In response to mounting political pressure, she resigned in 1974.
Despite the controversies of her tenure, Golda Meir remains a defining figure in Israeli history. Her leadership embodied resilience, pragmatism, and an unwavering commitment to Zionist ideals. She passed away in 1978, leaving behind a complex but undeniably significant legacy as Israel’s first—and so far, only—female prime minister.
