Who was the first female prime minister of Israel, serving from 1969 to 1974, and led the country during the Yom Kippur War?

• A. Menachem Begin
• B. David Ben-Gurion
• C. Golda Meir
• D. Shimon Peres

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is identifying Israel’s leader who was both a pioneering female prime minister and the head of state during a major crisis. Golda Meir fits this exactly: she became Israel’s prime minister in 1969 and served until 1974, and she led the country during the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Her leadership during that surprise conflict included rallying international support, coordinating with allies (notably the United States) to supply arms and aid, and directing the mobilization of reserves at a critical moment. This combination—being the first woman to hold the post and guiding the nation through the Yom Kippur War—is why she is the correct answer. The other figures held office at different times: one later in the 1970s, another earlier in the country’s history, and another during the 1980s and 1990s, not during this war.