In the year following the war, Eshkol's health gradually declined, although he remained in power. He suffered a heart attack on 3 February 1969 from which he recovered and gradually returned to his work, maintaining meetings from the Prime Minister's official residence. In the early morning of 26 February he suffered a fatal attack from which he passed at 8:15. At his side were his wife and three physicians, including Moshe Rachmilewitz. He died in office, at the age of 73.