Knesset Member Gideon Ezra passed away early Thursday at the age of 74. He was diagnosed with lung cancer two years ago. He had served as a minister several times and was also deputy head of the Shin Bet. Born in Jerusalem, Ezra spent his military service at the Nahal Brigade and served in the Shin Bet. He was first elected to the Knesset as a Likud member in 1996 and sat in various committees. In 2003, he was appointed a minister without portfolio in Ariel Sharon's government. Later he joined Sharon in his new party Kadima and in March 2006 was elected Knesset Member on behalf of Kadima.
