Six-Day-War Mossad chief, former minister and IDF general to be laid to rest Monday in full military funeral.
By JPOST.COM STAFF, APmeir amit 248 88(photo credit: Archive)
Former Mossad chief Maj.-Gen. (res.) Meir Amit passed away on Friday at the age of 88 after a long illness.
Amit also served as Golani Brigade Commander, OC Southern Command, OC Central Command and headed the IDF's Intelligence Corps.
Amit was Mossad chief between 1963 and 1968. Under his leadership, the agency provided crucial intelligence that led to Israel's victory in the Six-Day-War.
Amit, who was born Meir Slutzki, grew up in a kibbutz in northern Israel before enlisting in the Haganah.
Following his military service, Amit briefly entered politics and served as minister of transportation and minister of communications.
"Generations of Israelis, entire generations of children owe Meir Amit a debt of gratitude for his immense contribution - a large part which remains secret - in building the strength and deterrence of Israel," President Shimon Peres said in a statement. "He was a natural leader, whom people trusted, and at the same time he was a visionary for the state."
Amit will be buried in the Ramat Hasharon cemetery Monday, July 20, at 18:30 in a full military funeral. His casket will be at the Intelligence Corps' memorial in Glilot on Monday between 15:30-17:30 for people who wish to pay Amit their final respects.
