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In late 1987, the first Intifada erupted. What began in Gaza spread throughout the Territories. Stone-throwing symbolized resistance. At issue was decades of repression. Sharmir reflected its barbarism. He confronted protesters ruthlessly.
Hundreds of homes were demolished. Schools and universities were closed. From December 1987 - December 1988, hundreds were killed. Many others were wounded and/or arrested.
Hundreds more were deported. Shamir promised to crush resistance "like grasshoppers." He blockaded Gaza and the West Bank. He said:
"Anyone who wants to damage (Israel) will have his head smashed against (its) boulders and walls." True to his legacy, he committed cold-blooded murder and atrocities. His criminal record can't be expunged.
Haaretz called him "the prime minister who opposed compromise." He was Israel's second longest serving leader after Ben-Gurion.
In 1992 elections, Yitzhak Rabin soundly defeated him. He served in the Knesset until 1996. He then retired from all political activity. Honest observers called him a pariah. He remained critical of peace and reconciliation.
He stayed hardline to the end. Living his last years in a Tel Aviv nursing home, he died of complications from Alzheimer's disease.
He likely didn't remember his criminal legacy. Family members of victims he harmed won't ever forget it.
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