Politicians, among them the Prime Minister and President, reacted today to the passing of former Defense Minister Benyamin (Fouad) Ben-Eliezer.
Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu said of Ben-Eliezer: "Fouad served the State of Israel for decades as a fighter, commander, public figure, and senior member of government.
"I knew him, and I valued his contribution and his special personality. In many conversations I had with him, Fouad expressed his worry for, and obligation to, the future of the State which he so loved. May his memory be blessed."
President Reuven Rivlin also commented on Ben-Eliezer's passing: "Fouad was a man of many merits, who gave the best years of his life to defending and building up the state. An IDF Brigadier-General, he served as commander of Judea and Samaria and Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories. In his many years as an MK and a minister he worked for the people and the state with dedication and all his heart.
"On his passing, we will recall his love of this country, his dedication to its security and everything he gave to it, and contributed to its development."