Shimon Peres (1923–2016) was an Israeli statesman who served twice as Prime Minister of Israel (1984–1986 and 1995–1996) and as President of Israel from 2007 to 2014. He held multiple key cabinet posts, including Foreign Minister, and was a leading figure in the Labor Party. Peres was a pivotal architect of Israel’s nuclear weapons program and is reported to have recruited businessman Arnon Milchan into Israeli intelligence. He played central roles in Israel’s diplomacy, defense and peace efforts, was a major participant in peace negotiations and initiatives—most notably the Oslo Accords—and was a Nobel Peace Prize laureate for his role in the peace process.