David Levy, an Israeli politician born in Morocco in 1937 died on Sunday at age 86. He had held numerous senior positions in the Israeli government, including minister of housing and building, foreign minister, and deputy prime minister.
Levy relocated to Israel in 1959 at the age of 20, settling in Beit Shean. He began his career in construction before transitioning into politics, and was a construction union leader.
Levy served in the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, from 1969 to 2006. He was first appointed as a minister in 1977 and then served in positions including Minister of Immigrant Absorption, Labor, Housing, and Foreign Affairs. In 1990, as Foreign Minister, Levy initiated the re-establishment of diplomatic relations with several countries, including China and the Soviet Union.
He held a position as deputy prime minister until 1992, at which time he sought the leadership of the Likud party. However, he ended up coming in second, behind Benyamin Netanyahu. In 1995, Levy launched the Gesher (Bridge) political party. From 1996 to 2001, he served again as deputy prime minister under both Netanyahu and Ehud Barak.
He was recognized for spearheading the construction of numerous housing units as Housing Minister. These units transformed the “Maabara,” a shantytown that housed many Mizrahi Jews, including his relatives, during the country’s early years.
In 2018, Levy received the Israel Prize for Lifetime Achievement in recognition of his contributions to disadvantaged communities, exemplary leadership in labor, and representation of economically underdeveloped regions.
The precise cause of Levy’s death has not been released, although he has previously been hospitalized for cardiac issues.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his sorrow, stating, “The life story of David Levy, the boy who immigrated from Morocco and rose to become a prominent figure in Israeli politics, is an impressive example of social leadership and reflects the values of being Israeli.”
Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu also offered his condolences to Levy’s family and loved ones. “I join the people of Israel in mourning the loss of David Levy, a dedicated public servant for decades, a minister in the governments of Israel and deputy prime minister,” he said.
Netanyahu underscored Levy’s pivotal role in the growth of Beit Shean and the expansion of urban centers, as well as his political impact and commitment to supporting vulnerable communities.
Other Israeli officials also sent their condolences, noting that Levy’s departure “will be remembered in Israel’s history as a symbol of statehood and groundbreaking social action that left a real mark on society and the country.”