Eban, Abba (1915-2002)

South African-born Israeli diplomat and politician. He was Israeli ambassador to the United Nations (UN) 1948-59 and, simultaneously, Israel's ambassador in Washington 1950-59. Returning to Israel, he was elected to the Knesset and subsequently held several government posts, culminating in that of foreign minister 1966-74.

Eban was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and educated in the UK; he taught at Cambridge University before serving at Allied HQ during World War II. He subsequently settled in Israel.