[ssba]

“I completed four degrees in Middle East history, specializing in Israel’s foreign relations, and must confess that, before 2000, I scarcely heard of Levi Eshkol. And what I did know about him was far from inspiring.

That year, though, I began research for a book on the 1967 Six-Day War. Published by Oxford in 2002, “Six Days of War: June 1967 and the Making of the Modern Middle East,” became a best seller. Later, I wrote on article derived the book and entitled, “Eshkol–The Forgotten Hero.” That title, fortunately, is no longer accurate. Israel’s third prime minister is now regarded as one of our most outstanding.

In contrast to his lackluster image, Eshkol was a dynamic leader–a visionary and a doer. Famous for his warm Jewish wit, he was also steel-willed in the face of adversity and unflagging in his commitment to Israel’s security.

My research led me to one unassailable conclusion: the real hero of the Six-Day War was none other than Levi Eshkol. Today, as the Knesset honored the 120th anniversary of his birth, all of Israel recognizes his heroism.” (Kulanu MK Michael Oren, via Facebook, 27/07/2015)