Israeli Prime Minister Rabin Resigns Following Controversy Over Wife's Foreign Bank Account

On April 8, 1977, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin made the significant decision to resign from his position following the emergence of a scandal involving an illegal bank account held by his wife, Leah Rabin, in the United States. This account, which was discovered during an investigation by Israeli police, violated the country's currency regulations. Although Yitzhak Rabin was not directly implicated in any wrongdoing, he chose to take responsibility for his wife's actions, demonstrating a commitment to ethical governance. The incident, which became known as the Dollar Account Affair, had far-reaching political consequences in Israel. It not only led to Rabin's resignation but also paved the way for the election of Menachem Begin as Prime Minister later that year. The scandal highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in political leadership, and it served as a pivotal moment in Israeli politics, reshaping the political landscape and influencing public trust in government officials.