Yehuda Avner, English-Israeli diplomat (b. 1928)

Yehuda Avner (Hebrew: יהודה אבנר; December 30, 1928 – March 24, 2015) was a figure deeply interwoven with the fabric of modern Israel, serving with unwavering dedication as an Israeli prime ministerial advisor, a distinguished diplomat, and later, a bestselling author. His life was a testament to public service, offering an unparalleled insider's view into the highest echelons of Israeli statecraft.

A Trusted Voice in Israeli Politics

Throughout his extensive career, Yehuda Avner became a cornerstone for some of Israel's most influential leaders. His journey began as Speechwriter and Secretary, meticulously crafting the words for iconic Israeli Prime Ministers Golda Meir and Levi Eshkol, ensuring their messages resonated both domestically and internationally. This foundational experience provided him with an intimate understanding of the challenges and nuances of national leadership. As his career progressed, Avner transitioned to the vital role of Advisor, offering counsel and strategic insights to subsequent Prime Ministers, including Yitzhak Rabin, Menachem Begin, and Shimon Peres. His consistent presence across multiple administrations underscores his deep institutional knowledge and the profound trust placed in his judgment during critical moments in Israel's history.

Diplomat on the Global Stage

Beyond his advisory capacity within Israel, Yehuda Avner was a seasoned diplomat who eloquently represented his nation across the globe. His early diplomatic postings included key roles at the Israeli Consulate in New York and the Israeli Embassy to the US in Washington, DC, placing him at the heart of the crucial relationship between Israel and the United States. These experiences honed his skills in international relations and advocacy. A highlight of his distinguished diplomatic career was serving as Israel's Ambassador to Britain, Ireland, and Australia. In these significant appointments, Avner worked tirelessly to strengthen bilateral ties, manage complex international dynamics, and articulate Israel's positions on the world stage, demonstrating his profound commitment to his country's standing among nations.

Chronicling History: A Bestselling Author

After decades of shaping history from behind the scenes, Yehuda Avner decided to share his unique perspective with the world. In 2010, he released "The Prime Ministers: An Intimate Narrative of Israeli Leadership," which quickly became a bestselling book. This remarkable work, drawn from his extensive insider stories of Israeli politics and diplomacy, offered readers an unprecedented and often gripping look into the decision-making processes, personal dynamics, and strategic challenges faced by Israel's leaders. The book's impact was significant, earning critical acclaim for its historical depth and compelling narrative, and it later served as the basis for a powerful two-part documentary movie. Avner's literary contributions continued even after his passing; his novel, "The Ambassador," a gripping thriller co-authored with the talented writer Matt Rees, was posthumously published in 2015, showcasing another facet of his storytelling talent and his enduring legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Yehuda Avner

Who was Yehuda Avner?
Yehuda Avner was an influential Israeli prime ministerial advisor, a distinguished diplomat, and a bestselling author, renowned for his close involvement with key Israeli leaders and his insightful writings on Israeli politics and history.
What prominent roles did he hold?
He served as Speechwriter and Secretary to Israeli Prime Ministers Golda Meir and Levi Eshkol, and as Advisor to Prime Ministers Yitzhak Rabin, Menachem Begin, and Shimon Peres. Diplomatically, he was Israel's Ambassador to Britain, Ireland, and Australia, and held positions at the Israeli Consulate in New York and the Israeli Embassy to the US in Washington, DC.
What are his most famous books?
His most famous work is "The Prime Ministers: An Intimate Narrative of Israeli Leadership," a bestselling non-fiction book based on his insider experiences. He also co-authored the novel "The Ambassador," which was published posthumously.
When did he live?
Yehuda Avner was born on December 30, 1928, and passed away on March 24, 2015.