Begin won again in the 1981 elections

In 1981, Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin achieved a significant political victory by winning the elections held shortly after a pivotal military operation. Just three weeks prior to the elections, on June 30, 1981, the Israeli Air Force successfully destroyed the Osirak nuclear reactor in Iraq, a move that underscored Israel's commitment to national security and its stance against nuclear proliferation in the region. The election results were closely contested, with Begin's Likud party securing 48 seats in the Knesset, narrowly defeating the Labour party, which garnered 47 seats. Following this electoral success, Begin appointed Ariel Sharon as the Minister of Defense, a role that would see Sharon play a crucial part in shaping Israel's military and foreign policy. The new government quickly took decisive actions, including the controversial annexation of the Golan Heights, a strategic territory captured during the 1967 Six-Day War. These actions not only solidified Begin's leadership but also set the stage for long-term geopolitical implications in the region. The early 1980s in Israel were marked by a shift towards more assertive policies under Begin and Sharon, reflecting a significant moment in the country's political landscape.