Yitzhak Rabin Quotes

Powerful Yitzhak Rabin for Daily Growth

About Yitzhak Rabin

Yitzhak Rabin (1922-1995), an eminent Israeli military and political figure, served as the fifth Prime Minister of Israel and was a central player in shaping Israel's national security and foreign policy. Born on March 1st, 1922, in Jerusalem to Jewish immigrants from Russia and Poland, Rabin grew up amidst the tumultuous backdrop of British Mandate Palestine. Rabin enlisted in the Haganah, the precursor to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), at age 14, marking the beginning of a lifelong military career. In 1948, he played a significant role in Israel's War of Independence, leading a brigade that successfully defended Jerusalem. Rabin continued his military rise, serving as Chief of Staff during the 1967 Six-Day War, a conflict that resulted in Israel acquiring additional territories. Rabin transitioned to politics in the late 1970s, eventually becoming Prime Minister in 1992. His tenure was marked by the signing of the Oslo Accords with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1993, an agreement aimed at establishing a Palestinian self-government in the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank. This move initiated the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians. Rabin's efforts were not without controversy, but he remained steadfast in his pursuit of peace. On November 4th, 1995, Rabin was assassinated at a peace rally in Tel Aviv by Yigal Amir, an ultra-nationalist Israeli law student, who opposed the Oslo Accords. The incident sent shockwaves throughout Israel and the world, highlighting the complexity of the Middle Eastern conflict and the profound consequences of political decision-making. Throughout his life, Rabin was a firm believer in military service as a unifying force for Israeli society and advocated for peace with the Arab world while maintaining the security of the State of Israel. His legacy continues to resonate deeply within Israel, symbolizing the importance of diplomacy, unity, and peace in the face of adversity.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"If there is no struggle, there is no progress."

Yitzhak Rabin's quote underscores that advancement and growth often require effort, persistence, and challenges. Progress doesn't occur in a state of stasis; instead, it arises from the struggle to overcome obstacles or push beyond limitations. In personal lives, societal development, and political progression, there must be a willingness to face adversity, learn from it, adapt, and keep moving forward to make meaningful change and achieve progress.


"Peace will not come through a peace treaty; it will come when both peoples' hearts change."

The quote highlights that lasting peace between nations cannot solely be achieved through diplomatic agreements or treaties, but more importantly, by a genuine shift in the attitudes, perceptions, and emotions of the people involved. In other words, true peace will manifest when there's mutual understanding, empathy, and respect among the peoples on both sides.


"We must always remember: Might does not spring from might, but from right and from truth."

This quote by Yitzhak Rabin emphasizes that true power comes not from brute force or physical might, but from adhering to moral principles (right) and seeking justice (truth). In other words, the use of power should be guided by ethical values and a commitment to fairness. Rabin's message encourages individuals and nations to prioritize these principles when asserting their influence in the world.


"The road to peace and security lies not in the rejection of others, but in their engagement."

This quote by Yitzhak Rabin emphasizes that building peace and ensuring security is not achieved by shunning or rejecting others, but through active engagement with them. In essence, he suggests that avoiding conflict by isolation is ineffective; instead, fostering understanding, cooperation, and dialogue leads to lasting peace and stability. The quote encourages a proactive approach towards resolving differences, promoting unity amidst diversity, and ultimately, establishing a more harmonious world.


"If the Cabinet today decides to go to war, the people of Israel will remain confident that they are led by a cabinet that is acting in their best interest and for their benefit."

This quote by Yitzhak Rabin underscores his belief in the responsibility and accountability of the Israeli Cabinet towards its people. He emphasizes that even when making the difficult decision to go to war, the Cabinet should always act with the best interests and well-being of the citizens at heart. The confidence he speaks of is the faith that the Israeli people place in their leaders, trusting them to make informed and ethical decisions during challenging times.


In fighting terror, you cannot let it interfere with the normal life of civilians in Israel.

- Yitzhak Rabin

Normal, Civilians, Terror, Normal Life

I believe that in the long run, separation between Israel and the Palestinians is the best solution for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

- Yitzhak Rabin

Long Run, I Believe That, Resolving

There's nothing harder than defining oneself.

- Yitzhak Rabin

Nothing, Than, Harder, Defining

Let the Palestinians run their affairs: create a situation in which no Israeli soldier will have to maintain public order, whether in Gaza or the West Bank. Let's give it to the Palestinians, as long as there is security for us. No more occupying another people.

- Yitzhak Rabin

Run, Maintain, Another, Gaza

Only the change on the international scene, the crisis in the gulf, and the strong, firm position of the United States against aggression between two Arab countries created realities that led to the Madrid Peace Conference.

- Yitzhak Rabin

Strong, Conference, United, Madrid

Regardless of some disagreements in the past with Dr. Kissinger, I personally had a very good relationship with the secretary when I served as ambassador to the United States and later on as premier.

- Yitzhak Rabin

In The Past, United States, Ambassador

As prime minister, I changed Israel's position on peace negotiations. I made it clear that we are ready to go along with Resolution 242 of the U.N. Security Council, which specifies withdrawal to secure and recognized boundaries in the context of peace.

- Yitzhak Rabin

Secure, Recognized, Context

President Sadat of Egypt made a historic breakthrough in 1977 when he put an end to war and convinced both Egyptians and Israelis that he was ready to make peace. He broke down the walls of suspicion and prejudice.

- Yitzhak Rabin

Egypt, Broke, Historic, Israelis

The struggle to get weapons is continuous, but the United States will aid us, if it finds Israel displaying a willingness for peace.

- Yitzhak Rabin

Will, United, United States, Displaying

I believe however that peace is attainable regardless of the Arabs mentality, society or government.

- Yitzhak Rabin

Government, Society, However, Arabs

I don't want to be the policeman of Lebanon. It's not the business of Israel. Israel was not created to serve as a policeman of the region.

- Yitzhak Rabin

Business, Israel, Created, Lebanon

Although it is true that Hizballah is organized, inspired, financed, and armed by Iran, its main bases in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley are under Syrian military control.

- Yitzhak Rabin

Control, Iran, Main, Lebanon

Lebanon is a Syrian protectorate. The Lebanese dare not do anything without the approval of Damascus.

- Yitzhak Rabin

Approval, Syrian, Lebanese, Lebanon

I enter negotiations with Chairman Arafat, the leader of the PLO, the representative of the Palestinian people, with the purpose to have coexistence between our two entities, Israel as a Jewish state and Palestinian state, entity, next to us, living in peace.

- Yitzhak Rabin

Purpose, Leader, Next, Coexistence

Arafat carried out what I consider to be atrocities.

- Yitzhak Rabin

Atrocities, Carried, Arafat

As far as Israel, I am not worried about the relations between Israel and the United States.

- Yitzhak Rabin

United, United States, About, Relations

We must fight terrorism as if there's no peace process and work to achieve peace as if there's no terror.

- Yitzhak Rabin

Process, Terrorism, Terror, Peace Process

A diplomatic peace is not yet the real peace. It is an essential step in the peace process leading towards a real peace.

- Yitzhak Rabin

Process, Diplomatic, Leading, Peace Process

No Arab ruler will consider the peace process seriously so long as he is able to toy with the idea of achieving more by the way of violence.

- Yitzhak Rabin

Process, Will, Idea, Peace Process

Practically the only way to dry the swamp of radical Islam is through economic development and an improved standard of living.

- Yitzhak Rabin

Through, Standard, Economic

We must think differently, look at things in a different way. Peace requires a world of new concepts, new definitions.

- Yitzhak Rabin

Think, New, Different Way, Definitions

I don't believe that in the name of the holiness of the city you have to put barbed wires, machine gun nests, mine pins and everything of that, in the name of the holiness of Jerusalem.

- Yitzhak Rabin

City, Gun, Mine, Barbed

I don't see any reason to discriminate against homosexuals.

- Yitzhak Rabin

Reason, See, Against, Discriminate

Israel's willingness to cooperate closely with the U.S. in protecting American interests in the region altered her image in the eyes of many officials in Washington.

- Yitzhak Rabin

Image, Closely, Protecting, American Interests

Israel is no longer a people that dwells alone, and has to join the global journey toward peace, reconciliation and international cooperation.

- Yitzhak Rabin

Journey, Global, Dwells, Reconciliation

I'm trying to learn the lessons of the past, but not to make speeches about the past.

- Yitzhak Rabin

Past, Learn, Trying, Lessons

I believe that it is my responsibility as the prime minister of Israel to do whatever can be done to exploit the unique opportunities that lie ahead of us to move towards peace. Not everything can be done by one act.

- Yitzhak Rabin

Lie, Believe, Ahead, Exploit

It is our duty, to ourselves and to our children, to see the new world as it is now.

- Yitzhak Rabin

World, New, See, New World

I would like Israel to be a Jewish state, and therefore not to annex over 2 million Palestinians who live in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip to Israel, which will make Israel a bi-national state.

- Yitzhak Rabin

Over, Which, Jewish State, Gaza

You can always make peace with an F-16 in your pocket.

- Yitzhak Rabin

Peace, Always, Your, Pocket

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.