Born in Jerusalem, Rabin volunteered for the Palmach. He served in the IDF for 27 years, culminating his military career as the Army Chief of Staff. After retirement, he was appointed Israeli Ambassador to the United States.

On his return to Jerusalem in 1973, Rabin became active in politics. After being elected to the Knesset, he was appointed Minister of Labor. The government resigned shortly afterwards, and in 1974, the Knesset gave a vote of confidence in a new government headed by Yitzhak Rabin. In 1975, he concluded the interim agreement with Egypt in 1975.

Following the Labor Party's defeat in the May 1977 elections, Rabin played an active role in the opposition until the formation of the National Unity Government in September 1984, and served as Minister of Defense. In 1992, he was elected Prime Minister and signed the Declaration of Principles with Yasser Arafat the fllowing year . Rabin received the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize. On October 26, 1994, he and King Hussein signed the Israel Jordan peace treaty.

Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated in Tel Aviv in 1995.