President Weizman Says Goodbye

After Ezer Weizman tenders his resignation as Israel's seventh president this evening, July 10, 2000, history will decide whether he is remembered for the ignominy of the scandal that brought his downfall or for the historic role he played in shaping the state of Israel.

Ever since the days he began his public career as Air Force commander, Ezer - or Eizer, as his friends call him - was a controversial figure. Weizman, the ultimate sabra, held sway not only over the local public but also over many of the region's and the world's leaders.

Many were caught up in the magnetism of his charisma; others were wary of his volatile personality and often irascible manner. Few remained indifferent to him.

The Jerusalem Post Internet Edition brings you glimpses into some of the highlights of Ezer Weizman's long public career, as the president bids farewell.

Timeline

1924 -- Ezer Weizman is born in Tel Aviv, nephew of Israel's first President Professor Chaim Weizman. The family later moves to Haifa.

Military Service:

1942 -- Weizman joins the Royal Air Force, beginning his military career as a fighter pilot. He was stationed in France and in India

1946 - 1948 -- member of the IZL (pre-state underground organization)

1948 -- after the proclamation of the State, Weizman serves in the "Air Service," the predecessor of the Israel Air Force.

1948 - 1949 -- During the War of Independence, Weizman flies arms and supplies to outposts around the country.

1958 - 1966 -- Weizman spends eight years as commander of the IAF.

1966 - 1969 -- Chief of Operations of the General Staff during

the Six-Day War, and later Deputy Chief of Staff.

1969 -- retires from military service with the rank of major general, and turns to politics.

Public Service:

1969 -- Minister of Transport in the second National Unity government under Levi Eshkol.

1971 - 1972 -- Weizman is the chairman of the Herut party's executive committee for a short time, but resigns over a disagreement with Menachem Begin

1973 -- Weizman returns to the Herut party and remains until 1980.

1977 -- Weizman is elected as a member of the 9th Knesset, during which he serves as the Defense Minister in Menachem Begin's first government. In this capacity until 1980, Weizman plays an important role in the peace process with Egypt.

1980 -- Weizman resigns from the government, formally over military budget cuts, but in fact because of his dissatisfaction with progress in the peace process.

1980 to 1984 -- Weizman takes a break from political life and engages in private business.

1984 -- establishes a new party called "Yahad" which attained three seats in the elections to the 11th Knesset. Yahad becomes part of the Labor Alignment, and Weizman is appointed Minister without Portfolio in the national unity government formed by Shimon Peres.

1985-- Weizman becomes Coordinator for Arab Affairs, and in this capacity, he helps the Arab sector and continues efforts to normalize relations with Egypt.

1986 -- Yahad officially joins the Labor Party.

1988 -- Labor Party joins the national unity government with the Likud, and Weizman is appointed Minister of Science and Technology.

1992 -- National unity government is disbanded. Weizman resigns from the Knesset frustrated with the slow pace of the peace process.

Weizman as President:

March 1993 -- Ezer Weizman elected Israel's seventh president by the Knesset.

State visits: First state visit of an Israeli president to Turkey, India, China; also visited Great Britian, Germany, Czech Republic, South Africa, Egypt, Jordan.

March 1998 -- Ezer Weizman elected to a second presidential term. For the first time, an acting president who ran for a second term was faced by an opponent.

December 1999 - Investigative journalist Yoav Ya'acov breaks story of Weizman-Seroussi gifts. Weizman becomes first president to undergo police investigation.

May 25, 2000 - After Attorney-General publishes report on Weizman, and dogged by public pressure, Weizman says he will resign.

July 10, 2000 - Weizman officially presents his resignation to Knesset Speaker.