Abba Eban was an Israeli statesman, diplomat, and scholar who served as Israel's Foreign Minister from 1966 to 1974. He was also Vice President of the United Nations General Assembly from 1975 to 1976. He was a major figure in the development of Israeli foreign policy and was instrumental in negotiating the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel in 1979. He was also a prominent advocate for the establishment of a Palestinian state. He was widely respected for his intellect and diplomatic skills and was known as a great orator.