Golda Meir’s Leadership During the 1973 Arab-Israeli War
Golda Meir’s remarkable leadership during the 1973 Arab-Israeli War is set to be brought to life in a movie titled Golda, which will be released in theaters this Friday. The film chooses to focus on a more intimate moment in Meir’s life but still manages to capture the epic nature of her leadership.
The movie begins with a timeline explaining the establishment of Israel as a state in 1948 and the decades of conflict with Arabs that led to the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. It acknowledges the displacement of Palestinians, emphasizing a balanced perspective.
In 1974, Meir finds herself sitting before the Agranat Committee. The film cuts back and forth between events of 1973 and the hearing, providing a linear narrative while incorporating Meir’s hindsight.
On October 5, 1973, the day before Yom Kippur, Meir receives intelligence about an imminent attack by Syria and Egypt. Despite the High Holiday, she swiftly orders 120,000 troops to be prepared for defense.
The attack occurs earlier than expected on October 6. Meir remains calm and instructs her military to defend Israel according to their plans.
While Golda might not have the budget to depict the massive war, it effectively establishes the stakes from Meir’s perspective. Meir engages in discussions with General Ariel Sharon and Head of Mossad Zvi Zamir about strategic strikes, outlining their objectives within the overall war.
Minister of Defense Moshe Dyan observes a firefight from a helicopter overhead, while Meir and her staff intently listen to military radios as Syrians and Egyptians claim victories, resulting in the loss of numerous Israeli lives.
Through satellite images, Meir witnesses a battle unfolding, reminiscent of scenes from a Tom Clancy movie, showcasing the advanced military technology of the time.
Furthermore, Meir instructs her assistant, Lou Kaddar, not to allow her to be captured alive, demonstrating her hands-on approach even in the midst of the conflict.
As the war progresses, the script effectively explains the political dynamics at play. Meir insists that no cease-fire would be accepted unless Egyptian President Anwar Sadat acknowledges Israel by name.
Additionally, then U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger becomes involved, engaging in negotiations among the three countries involved and Russia, a major weapons supplier. Meir highlights the political implications of an Egyptian victory and sheds light on the United States’ actual stance.
Renowned actress Helen Mirren portrays Meir, skillfully capturing her mannerisms with a hunched posture, shuffling feet, and an accent that leans towards Americanized English with hints of Yiddish. Meir is shown chain smoking throughout the movie, despite her ongoing cancer treatments.
Golda follows the precedents set by acclaimed movies like Good Night and Good Luck and Thirteen Days, providing an intimate perspective on major events. The film effectively conveys the gravity of the decisions made during bureaucratic meetings, which become increasingly chaotic as the war rages on.
While Golda may not cover Meir’s entire life and times, it serves as a testament to her leadership during a significant political event in Israel. It highlights Meir’s invaluable role and provides context for the ongoing unrest in the region.
For readers interested in delving deeper into Golda Meir’s life, there are numerous biographies available. However, Golda specifically focuses on her leadership during the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, offering a glimpse into her remarkable abilities in a time of crisis.
