Israel’s Presidents

Chaim Weizmann (1949-52), Zionist leader, prominent scientist

Yitzhak Ben-Zvi (1952-63), head of the Jewish Agency, historian

Zalman Shazar (1963-73), politician, scholar, historian, author, poet

Ephraim Katzir (1973-78), renowned biochemist

Yitzhak Navon (1978-83), politician, educator, author

Chaim Herzog (1983-93), attorney, general, diplomat, author

Ezer Weizman (1993-2000), air force general, politician, businessman

Moshe Katsav (2000-2007*), politician

Dalia Itzik (2007- ) [acting]

*On January 25, 2007, Katsav was granted a temporary suspension of three months after it was reported that Israel’s Attorney General planned to indict him on rape charges. During that time, MK Dalia Itzik will serve as the acting president.

Source: Israeli Foreign Ministry