Former Israeli President Ezer Weizman has died. The former air force officer had a decades-long political career and held Israel's presidency from 1993 to 2000.
The one-time hawk became one of the architects of Israel's first peace treaty with an Arab country, Egypt, in 1979. He also played an integral role in developing the Israeli Air Force.
Mr. Weizman was Israel's seventh president. He was known as a straight-talker whose off hand comments angered many but he remained very popular with Israelis.
He resigned in 2000 during a scandal over cash contributions a donor gave him. Israeli officials say the 81 year old Mr. Weizman died at home after suffering from declining health for several months.
Information for this report is provided by AP and AFP.
