Golda Meir was an Israeli politician who served as the fourth Prime Minister of Israel from 1969 to 1974. She was Israel's first and only female head of government and the first female head of government in the Middle East. A controversial figure in Israel, Meir has been lionised as a founder of the state and described as the "Iron Lady" of Israeli politics, but also widely blamed for the country being caught by surprise during the war of 1973. In addition, her dismissive statements towards the
Palestinians were widely scorned. Most historians believe Meir was more successful as Secretary of Labour and Housing than as Premier.