Benjamin Netanyahu

Benjamin Netanyahu, February 2023

Prime Minister of Israel

Benjamin Netanyahu (born 21 October 1949) is an Israeli politician who has served as the Prime Minister of Israel in multiple terms, most recently from 2009 to 2021. He is the longest-serving prime minister in Israeli history, having also held the position from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is the chairman of the Likud party.

Early Life and Education

Netanyahu was born in Tel Aviv, Israel, to a Jewish family. He spent part of his childhood in the United States, where his father, Benzion Netanyahu, was a professor of Jewish history. Netanyahu attended high school in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania, and later returned to Israel to serve in the Israel Defense Forces.

After his military service, Netanyahu returned to the United States to study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in architecture and a Master of Science degree from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Military Service

Netanyahu served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from 1967 to 1972, participating in various operations, including the Six-Day War and the War of Attrition. He was a team leader in the elite Sayeret Matkal special forces unit.

Political Career

Netanyahu began his political career in the 1980s, serving as the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations from 1984 to 1988. He was first elected to the Knesset in 1988 as a member of the Likud party. He held various ministerial positions, including Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Finance.

First Term as Prime Minister (1996-1999)

Netanyahu was elected Prime Minister in 1996, defeating Shimon Peres in a closely contested election. During his first term, he signed the Wye River Memorandum with the Palestinian Authority, which aimed to implement the earlier Oslo Accords.

Second Term as Prime Minister (2009-2021)

Netanyahu returned to the office of Prime Minister in 2009, leading a coalition government. His tenure was marked by significant events, including the Iran nuclear deal, the Gaza War (2014), and the normalization of relations with several Arab countries through the Abraham Accords.

Personal Life

Netanyahu has been married three times and has three children. He is known for his strong stance on security issues and his efforts to promote economic liberalization in Israel.

Controversies

Netanyahu's career has been marked by various controversies, including allegations of corruption. In 2019, he was indicted on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, which he has denied.

Legacy

Netanyahu is a polarizing figure in Israeli politics, admired by some for his leadership and criticized by others for his policies and legal troubles. His impact on Israeli politics and international relations remains significant.

See Also

• Likud
• Prime Minister of Israel
• Israel Defense Forces
• Abraham Accords
• Iran nuclear deal