The five living presidents who succeeded him, whose own Mideast peace efforts sometimes bore brief fruit but more often foundered, have all paid public tribute to him, in their own ways.

Plans to introduce a universal healthcare system also foundered in the legislature, while unemployment and interest rates both soared.

The company had foundered since its October launch, investors seemingly leery of its prospects and its terms.

But in July and August, the negotiations foundered, with many Israelis blaming Netanyahu for resisting an accord in favor of pressing ahead with a devastating war that aligned with his own political agenda.

Six bodies have now been brought to shore after the sinking of the luxury yacht Bayesian, which foundered during a freak storm off the fishing village of Porticello, east of Palermo.