release, an Israeli physician had to fly to Amman and administer an antidote to Mashal. The fall out from the failed assassination eventually led to the release of Sheik Ahmed Yassin, the founder and spiritual leader of the Hamas movement, and scores of Hamas prisoners. Notable births 12 April – Marc Hinawi, swimmer 12 May – Odeya Rush, actress Notable deaths 4 April – Leo Picard (b. 1900), German-born Israeli geologist and an expert in the field of hydrology. 12 April – Nechama Leibowitz (b. 1905), Russian (Latvia)-born Israeli Bible scholar. 17 April – Chaim Herzog (b. 1918), British-born Israeli politician, the sixth president of Israel. 1 October – Inbal Perlmutter (b. 1971), Israeli musician. 2 December – Anat Elimelech (b. 1974), Israeli actress and model 17 December – Uzi Narkiss (b. 1925), distinguished Israeli general. Major public holidays See also 1997 in Israeli film 1997 in Israeli television 1997 in Israeli music 1997 in Israeli sport References External links IDF History in 1997 @ dover.idf.il Israel 1990s in Israel Israel Years of the 20th century in Israel