Shimon Peres (; born Szymon Perski; 2 August 1923 – 28 September 2016) was a Polish-born Israeli statesman. He was the President of the State of Israel. Peres served twice as the Prime Minister of Israel. He also served as Interim Prime Minister twice. Peres has been a member of 12 cabinets. His political career spanned over 66 years.