Menachem Begin, who became the Prime Minister of Israel in 1977, was known for his role in the 1978 Camp David Accords with Egypt, which marked a significant step towards peace between the two nations. However, his later years in office were marked by substantial unrest and criticism, especially regarding his handling of the 1982 Lebanon War. As the military conflict dragged on and public sentiment turned sour, Begin faced increasing pressure from opposition parties, social movements, and a frustrated populace. By the time of his resignation, Begin had become a polarizing figure in Israeli politics.

The announcement of his resignation came as a shock to many, although it had been anticipated by some analysts following his recent withdrawal from public view due to health issues. His health had deteriorated, affecting his ability to engage with the responsibilities of his office. In a televised address, he emphasized that he could no longer serve the country effectively and expressed his dedication to the peace process that he had previously championed. His departure marked the end of an era in Israeli leadership and ushered in a period of political change.

Begin’s resignation ultimately led to the rise of Yitzhak Shamir, who took over the leadership of the Likud party and became the new Prime Minister. Shamir’s premiership was characterized by a hardline stance on security and further complexities in Israeli-Palestinian relations. Begin left a legacy that was complex, as he was both celebrated for peace efforts with Egypt and criticized for military decisions that many felt were a departure from his peace-oriented policies.