Who Is Moshe Dayan? Age, Biography and Wiki
Moshe Dayan was born on May 20, 1915, in Kibbutz Degania Alef, Israel. He played a crucial role in the establishment and defense of the State of Israel, most notably during the 1967 Six-Day War, where he served as Israel's Defense Minister. His military strategies and political diplomacy have made lasting marks in Israeli history. Dayan passed away on October 16, 1981, but remains a significant figure in discussions surrounding military tactics and Middle Eastern politics.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 20, 1915 |
| Age | 66 Years |
| Birth Place | Degania Alef, Beirut Vilayet, Ottoman Empire (now Israel) |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | Israel |
| Date of death | 16 October, 1981 |
| Died Place | Tel Aviv, Israel |
Popularity
Moshe Dayan's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although official records regarding Moshe Dayan's physical stats are scarce, he was known to have a commanding presence. During his active years, he stood at approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall. His weight naturally fluctuated due to his military lifestyle, but he was typically around 154 pounds (70 kg).
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Moshe Dayan was married to Ruth Dayan from 1935 until their divorce in 1983. They had three children together: Yael, Gilad, and Kfir. His family life remained relatively private, but he was known for his strong connections with his children and his love for his homeland.
Dayan was often associated with various influential figures in Israeli politics, but there is no substantial evidence regarding any extramarital relationships that garnered public attention.
Dayan was the second child born at Degania, after Gideon Baratz (1913–1988). He was named Moshe after Moshe Barsky, the first member of Degania to be killed in an Arab attack, who died getting medication for Dayan's father. Soon afterward, Dayan's parents moved to Nahalal, the first moshav, or farming cooperative, to be established. Dayan attended the agricultural school there.
Net Worth and Salary
While Moshe Dayan's official net worth was not publicly disclosed during his lifetime, it is speculated that he accumulated a substantial fortune through his political career, military service, and various endorsements. His legacy has kept the discussion of his financial status alive, particularly in the context of his role in shaping modern Israel.
Dayan believed in the value of punitive cross-border retaliation raids: "We cannot save each water pipe from explosion or each tree from being uprooted. We cannot prevent the murder of workers in orange groves or of families in their beds.
But we can put a very high price on their blood, a price so high that it will no longer be worthwhile for the Arabs, the Arab armies, for the Arab states to pay it."
Career, Business and Investments
Moshe Dayan's career trajectory is one of the most fascinating aspects of his life. He served in various military roles, eventually rising to the post of Defense Minister. His approach was often characterized by decisiveness and pragmatism. Apart from his military career, Dayan was a prominent figure in politics, even serving as the Minister of Foreign Affairs later in his life.
Dayan was also known for his involvement in numerous business ventures. After his political career, he engaged in farming and various entrepreneurial activities that further enriched his financial portfolio.
In June, he became the first commander of the 89th Battalion, part of Sadeh's Armoured Brigade. His methods of recruiting volunteers from other army units, such as the Golani and Kiryati Brigades, provoked complaints from their commanders.
On 20 June 1948, two men from one of his companies were killed in a confrontation with Irgun members trying to bring weapons ashore from the Altalena at Kfar Vitkin. During Operation Danny, he led his battalion in a brief raid through Lod in which nine of his men were killed.
His battalion was then transferred to the south, where they captured Karatiya, close to Faluja on 15 July. His withdrawal of his troops after only two hours, leaving a company from the Givati Brigade to face an Egyptian counterattack led to Givati Commander Shimon Avidan demanding that Dayan be disciplined.
Chief of the General Staff Yigael Yadin instructed the military attorney general to proceed, but the case was dismissed.
Social Network
As a historical figure, Moshe Dayan's social network spanned a wide array of influential leaders, military personnel, and politicians. Today, his legacy is discussed on various online platforms, including social media, where historians and enthusiasts share insights and discuss his impact on Israeli history.
On 23 July 1948, on David Ben-Gurion's insistence over General Staff opposition, Dayan was appointed military commander of Jewish-controlled areas of Jerusalem. In this post, he launched two military offensives. Both were night-time operations and both failed.
On 17 August, he sent two companies to attempt to occupy the hillsides around Government House, but they retreated suffering casualties. On the night of 20 October 1948, to coincide with the end of Operation Yoav further south, Operation Wine Press was launched. Its objective was to capture Bethlehem via Beit Jala.
Six companies set out but were pinned down by machine-gun fire in the wadi below Beit Jala and were forced to withdraw.
Education
Moshe Dayan had a military education background that shaped his professional life. He attended officers' training courses organized by the British Army in Palestine and was actively involved in the Haganah, the Jewish paramilitary organization. His education, combined with his experiences during critical periods in Israel's history, equipped him with the insights needed to become one of the key strategists in Israeli military operations.
At the end of 1951, Dayan attended a course at the British Army's Senior Officers' School in Devizes, England. In May 1952, he was appointed operational commander of the Northern Command.
Conclusion
In summary, Moshe Dayan remains an enduring figure in Israeli history. His contributions as a military leader and politician continue to be analyzed and appreciated even in 2025. From his role in shaping Israel's defense policies to his complex personal life, the legacy of Moshe Dayan is one that will continue to intrigue historians and the public alike for generations to come.
