Benjamin Netanyahu

Benjamin Netanyahu
Born	Benjamin Netanyahu (1949-10-21) October 21, 1949 Tel Aviv, Israel
Occupation(s)	Statesman, diplomat, politician
Years active	1984–present
Known for	Prime Minister of Israel (1996–1999, 2009–2021, 2022–present)

Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu (born 21 October 1949) is an Israeli statesman and diplomat currently holding the position of Prime Minister of Israel since 2022. He previously occupied this role from 1996 to 1999 and again from 2009 to 2021, making him the longest-tenured prime minister in Israel’s history.

Netanyahu was born in Tel Aviv and grew up in West Jerusalem as well as the United States. After returning to Israel in 1967, he served in the elite Israel Defense Forces unit, Sayeret Matkal. Following his graduation from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he joined the Boston Consulting Group before founding the Yonatan Netanyahu Anti-Terror Institute in 1978. From 1984 to 1988, he acted as Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations.

His political prominence increased after becoming chairman of Likud in 1993 and leader of the opposition. In the 1996 general election, Netanyahu became Israel’s first prime minister elected through direct popular vote. After his defeat in the 1999 elections, he moved into the private sector but later returned to governmental roles as foreign affairs and finance minister, where he implemented economic reforms prior to resigning over objections to the Gaza disengagement plan.

Netanyahu reclaimed Likud leadership in 2005, leading the opposition until forming a right-wing coalition government in 2009. He maintained a close alliance with Donald Trump’s administration, which recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, affirmed Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and facilitated the Abraham Accords with Arab nations. His tenure attracted criticism for expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank, actions deemed illegal under international law.

In 2019, Netanyahu was indicted on charges including bribery and fraud, prompting him to relinquish all ministerial roles except that of prime minister. The resulting political turmoil led to a failed power-sharing agreement with Benny Gantz and several elections. He was ousted from office in June 2021 but returned following the 2022 election.

His administrations have been accused of undermining democratic institutions and exhibiting authoritarian tendencies. In 2023, his coalition pursued contentious judicial reforms amid widespread public protests. After the Hamas-led attacks on October 7 and the ensuing Gaza conflict, his government faced nationwide demonstrations over security lapses and hostage negotiations. In October 2024, surviving an assassination attempt, Netanyahu ordered military incursions into Lebanon and Syria targeting Hezbollah and Syrian forces. He also authorized Israeli strikes against Iran in 2025, escalating into open hostilities.

The government has faced accusations of committing genocide in Gaza, resulting in international legal proceedings including a case before the International Court of Justice and an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Early life, education, and military career

Born in Tel Aviv in 1949, Netanyahu’s mother, Tzila Segal (1912–2000), hailed from Petah Tikva with familial origins linked to Minneapolis and Lithuania. She pursued legal studies at Gray's Inn, London. His father, Warsaw-born historian Benzion Netanyahu (1910–2012), specialized in the Golden age of Jewish culture in Spain. The family surname was Hebraized from "Mileikowsky" to "Netanyahu," meaning "God has given." Although chiefly of Ashkenazi descent, Netanyahu also possesses some Sephardic lineage and claims ancestry tracing back to the Vilna Gaon.

As the second of three siblings, Netanyahu was raised in Jerusalem and attended Henrietta Szold Elementary School. His evaluation in sixth grade described him as responsible, punctual, disciplined, and actively engaged.

Between 1956–58 and again from 1963–67, his family resided in Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania while his father taught at Dropsie College. Netanyahu graduated from Cheltenham High School, where he participated in debate teams, chess clubs, and soccer. Both he and his brother grew dissatisfied with local customs and its liberal religious atmosphere.

Upon completing high school in 1967, Netanyahu enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces, serving five years within Sayeret Matkal, an elite special forces unit. During the 1967–70 War of Attrition, he took part in significant operations including the March 1968 Battle of Karameh. Wounded multiple times throughout service, he rose to team leader rank. Notably, he participated in the 1968 Israeli raid on Lebanon as well as the 1972 rescue operation of hijacked Sabena Flight 571 where he sustained a shoulder gunshot wound. After discharge from active duty in 1972, he continued service as a reservist.

Following a brief academic period in the United States, Netanyahu returned to fight during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, leading special forces raids along the Suez Canal targeting Egyptian positions and commanding a covert commando mission deep inside Syrian territory.

Higher education

In late 1972, Netanyahu traveled back to the United States to pursue architectural studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Following his participation in the Yom Kippur War, he resumed his education under the alias Ben Nitay, obtaining a bachelor's degree in architecture by February 1975 and subsequently earning a master's degree from the MIT Sloan School of Management in 1976. At the same time, he embarked on doctoral studies in political science, which were interrupted due to the passing of his brother Yonatan, leader of the Entebbe raid.

While enrolled at MIT, Netanyahu handled a demanding academic schedule, also attending courses at Harvard University. Despite his military commitments, he completed his undergraduate degree within two and a half years. Professor Leon B. Groisser characterized him as "highly intelligent, well-organized, strong-willed, and focused," highlighting his determination and clarity of purpose.

To facilitate pronunciation for Americans, he adopted the name Benjamin "Ben" Nitai, a pseudonym previously used by his father. This name change has been criticized by some political adversaries as casting doubt on his Israeli identity and allegiance.

Early career

From 1976 until 1978, Netanyahu worked in Boston as an economic consultant for the Boston Consulting Group, where he developed a lasting professional relationship with colleague Mitt Romney, who described him as "a forceful individual with a unique perspective." Netanyahu attributed their smooth collaboration to the rigorous training received at B.C.G.

In 1978, Netanyahu appeared on local Boston television under the name "Ben Nitai," expressing that the fundamental issue was the Arab rejection of Israel’s existence and pointing out that Palestinians had opportunities to establish their own state during their governance over the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Upon returning to Israel in 1978, Netanyahu took charge of the Jonathan Netanyahu Anti-Terror Institute, specializing in terrorism research, until 1980. He then held the position of marketing director at Rim Industries in Jerusalem from 1980 to 1982. Following this, Moshe Arens appointed him as Deputy Chief of Mission at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., where he served between 1982 and 1984. During the 1982 Lebanon War, Netanyahu chose to stay in the United States acting as Israel’s spokesperson, where he established an effective public relations framework amidst widespread international criticism.

Between 1984 and 1988, Netanyahu served as Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations. Influenced by Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, whom he regarded as "the most impactful figure of our era," he also cultivated a friendship with Fred Trump, father of future U.S. president Donald Trump.

Leader of the Opposition (1993–1996)

Prior to the 1988 Israeli legislative elections, Netanyahu returned to Israel and joined the Likud party, securing fifth place on its candidate list. He was elected to the 12th Knesset and acted as deputy to foreign ministers Moshe Arens and later David Levy, with whom he maintained a competitive rivalry. During the 1991 Gulf War, Netanyahu became Israel’s primary English-language media spokesperson. He participated in the Israeli delegation at the Madrid Conference of 1991 and was appointed Deputy Minister within the Prime Minister’s Office.

Following Likud’s loss in the 1992 elections, Netanyahu won the party leadership contest in 1993 by defeating Benny Begin and David Levy. Although Ariel Sharon briefly pursued leadership, he withdrew due to insufficient backing. Subsequently, former prime minister Yitzhak Shamir retired from political life.

After the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin, interim Prime Minister Shimon Peres called for early elections aimed at reinforcing support for the peace process. Netanyahu emerged as Likud’s candidate for the 1996 Israeli legislative election—the country’s first direct election for prime minister—and enlisted American strategist Arthur J. Finkelstein for his campaign. He won, becoming Israel’s youngest prime minister and its first leader born after independence.

Netanyahu’s surprise victory over favored candidate Peres was influenced by a surge of Palestinian suicide bombings shortly before voting day, which weakened Peres’s position. His campaign focused on security issues and stressed that progress toward peace relied on efforts by the Palestinian National Authority to combat terrorism, encapsulated by his slogan "Netanyahu – making a safe peace." Although Netanyahu secured the prime ministerial vote, Peres’s Israeli Labor Party obtained more seats in the Knesset, compelling Netanyahu to form a coalition government with ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and UTJ.

First term

The 1996 Israeli elections took place amid a surge of Hamas terrorist activities following the assassination of Hamas military commander Yahya Ayyash by Shin Bet. Retaliatory attacks, such as the Dizengoff Center suicide bombing and the Jaffa Road bus bombings, were reportedly backed by Syria and Iran. Several operations were orchestrated by Hamas operative Hassan Salameh, who received training in Iran. These violent incidents played a role in Prime Minister Shimon Peres’s electoral defeat and facilitated the rise of Netanyahu’s Likud party, which opposed the Oslo Accords. After Netanyahu assumed office, there was a temporary halt in attacks, partly due to Arafat’s efforts to suppress Hamas.

On 4 September 1996, Netanyahu held discussions with Palestinian President Arafat, initiating negotiations that culminated in the signing of the Hebron Protocol in January 1997. In 1996, Netanyahu and Jerusalem mayor Ehud Olmert reopened an access point to the Western Wall Tunnel located in the Arab Quarter, leading to violent clashes and casualties.

The peace process remained stagnant until the 1998 Wye River Memorandum, agreed upon by Netanyahu and Arafat, which outlined measures for implementing previous accords. Netanyahu stressed a policy defined by "three no(s)": no withdrawal from the Golan Heights, no discussions regarding Jerusalem, and no negotiations conducted under preconditions.

In 1997, Iran authorized a Hamas bombing campaign that disrupted peace efforts; simultaneous suicide bombings in Jerusalem resulted in 21 Israeli fatalities. That same year, Netanyahu approved a Mossad operation aimed at assassinating Hamas leader Khaled Mashal in Jordan. The failed attempt damaged Israeli-Jordanian relations and led to prisoner exchanges, including the release of Sheikh Ahmad Yassin.

Subsequently, Hezbollah carried out the deadly Ansariya ambush, killing 12 Israeli commandos. In return for recovering their remains, Israel released Lebanese prisoners. Netanyahu referred to this incident as "one of the worst tragedies" faced by Israel.

On the economic front, Netanyahu pursued liberalization policies by promoting privatization of state-owned enterprises and relaxing foreign exchange regulations to attract investment and facilitate capital flows.

Throughout his tenure, Netanyahu encountered resistance from Israel's left-wing factions and lost some right-wing backing due to concessions made to Palestinians and negotiations with Arafat. His government was also tainted by corruption allegations; although police recommended indictments in 1997 and 1999, prosecutors declined to proceed citing insufficient evidence. Failures to curb Hamas and Hezbollah activities, along with consequent prisoner releases, undermined Netanyahu's hardline security position and contributed to his defeat in the 1999 election.

Political hiatus (1999–2003)

After being defeated by Ehud Barak in the 1999 Israeli prime ministerial election, Netanyahu stepped away from politics temporarily and served as a senior consultant for Israeli communications company BATM Advanced Communications for two years.

Following the collapse of Barak’s government in late 2000, Netanyahu sought a political comeback. Although Barak’s resignation should have triggered only a prime ministerial election, Netanyahu advocated for general elections, arguing they were necessary for stable governance. Ultimately, he opted not to run for prime minister himself, allowing Ariel Sharon—who was less favored at the time—to assume leadership. In 2002, after the Israeli Labor Party exited the coalition government, Sharon appointed Netanyahu as foreign minister. That same year, Netanyahu unsuccessfully challenged Sharon for leadership of Likud.

On 9 September 2002, protests by pro-Palestinian activists led to the cancellation of Netanyahu’s scheduled speech at Concordia University. Remaining offsite during the event, Netanyahu condemned the demonstrators for supporting terrorism. Subsequent appearances in Pittsburgh proceeded under heavy security despite ongoing protests.

On 12 September 2002, acting as a private citizen, Netanyahu testified before the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform advocating for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He claimed that Saddam Hussein was actively pursuing nuclear weapons capabilities and argued that removing Saddam’s regime would have profoundly positive effects on regional stability.

Minister of Finance (2003–2005)

After the 2003 Israeli legislative elections, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon appointed Benjamin Netanyahu as Finance Minister. This move was reportedly intended to curtail Netanyahu's political sway by transferring him from the Foreign Affairs portfolio amid economic instability. Netanyahu accepted the role and was granted full authority over financial reforms, supported by Sharon in exchange for Netanyahu refraining from commenting on security and foreign policy matters.

During his tenure as Finance Minister, Netanyahu initiated an extensive strategy to restore Israel’s economy following the decline caused by the Second Intifada. He focused on reducing an oversized public sector and dismantling cumbersome regulations, advocating for market liberalization despite facing criticism. His reform agenda involved ending welfare dependency by requiring employment or participation in training programs, downsizing government employment, implementing a three-year freeze on public spending, and limiting the budget deficit to 1%. Tax reductions lowered the highest individual tax rate from 64% to 44%, while corporate taxes were cut from 36% to 18%. Key state-owned enterprises—including banks, oil refineries, El Al airline, and Zim shipping company—were privatized. Additional measures included raising retirement ages, easing currency restrictions, and mandating banks to separate long-term savings accounts. Netanyahu also confronted monopolies to enhance market competition. These reforms contributed to economic expansion, decreased unemployment rates, reduced debt-to-GDP ratios to some of the lowest globally, and attracted unprecedented foreign investment, earning Netanyahu acclaim for orchestrating an "economic miracle."

Despite these achievements, opponents within the Labor party and certain Likud members criticized his policies as excessively "Thatcherite," arguing they weakened Israel’s social welfare system.

In 2004, Netanyahu threatened to resign unless Prime Minister Sharon’s Gaza disengagement plan was subjected to a public referendum. Although he eventually supported the plan in parliament, he insisted that a referendum be held within two weeks. Netanyahu resigned on 7 August 2005 prior to the cabinet’s approval of the Gaza withdrawal phase by a vote of 17 to 5.

Leader of the Opposition (2006–2009)

Following Ariel Sharon’s departure from Likud, Netanyahu regained leadership of the party on 20 December 2005 by securing 47% of the vote, defeating contenders Silvan Shalom and Moshe Feiglin. In the March 2006 Knesset elections, Likud finished third behind Kadima and Labor, with Netanyahu assuming the role of Leader of the Opposition. He was re-elected as Likud chairman in August 2007 with a commanding 73% support, establishing him as the party’s prime ministerial candidate against challengers including Moshe Feiglin.

Netanyahu opposed the 2008 ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, criticizing it for allowing Hamas to rearm. After Tzipi Livni became Kadima leader and Ehud Olmert resigned as prime minister, Netanyahu chose not to join Livni’s coalition-building efforts and instead called for new elections in February 2009. As Likud’s candidate for prime minister, he led opinion polls despite a large share of undecided voters.

In the February 2009 election, Likud secured the second-largest number of seats narrowly trailing Kadima. Some Likud supporters defected to Avigdor Lieberman’s Yisrael Beiteinu party, influencing the outcome. Netanyahu declared victory based on right-wing parties holding a parliamentary majority and was tasked with forming a government by President Shimon Peres on 20 February 2009.

Although right-wing factions controlled 65 Knesset seats, Netanyahu sought to form a broader centrist coalition and invited Kadima to participate; however, Livni declined due to disagreements over peace negotiations. He successfully incorporated the Labor Party under Ehud Barak into his coalition, adding moderate elements. The Knesset approved Netanyahu’s cabinet on 31 March 2009 with a vote of 69 in favor and 45 against, after which his government was officially sworn in.

Second term

In 2009, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed support for the creation of a Palestinian state, a stance not shared by prime minister-designate Netanyahu, who made negotiations contingent upon Palestinian acknowledgment of Israel as a Jewish state. After President Obama's Cairo address opposing Israeli settlements, Netanyahu convened a government session and subsequently endorsed the concept of a "Demilitarized Palestinian State" during a speech at Bar-Ilan University. He outlined conditions including Jerusalem remaining Israel’s undivided capital, the absence of a Palestinian military force, and rejection of the Palestinian right of return. Additionally, he backed the "natural growth" of existing Jewish settlements pending future talks. This represented a shift in his administration’s approach to the peace process.

Members of Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition criticized this position, asserting that all territory should be considered under Israeli sovereignty. Opposition leader Tzipi Livni challenged Netanyahu’s dedication to achieving a two-state resolution. The international community responded with mixed sentiments: Palestinians dismissed the preconditions; Hamas and the Arab League rejected the speech outright; meanwhile, certain EU representatives and the Obama administration offered cautious approval.

By mid-2009, Netanyahu highlighted achievements such as forming a national unity government and reaching internal agreement on pursuing a two-state solution. He removed some West Bank checkpoints to stimulate economic growth and welcomed the Arab Peace Initiative along with normalization efforts led by Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman.

In August 2009, Netanyahu reiterated two essential prerequisites for peace: recognition of Israel as a Jewish state and robust security arrangements. Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas voiced readiness to engage in dialogue with Netanyahu, though outcomes remained uncertain. Reports surfaced that Netanyahu consented to authorize new West Bank settlements prior to implementing a temporary construction freeze, drawing criticism from the US but not halting negotiations.

In September 2009, Netanyahu undertook a secret visit to Moscow, reportedly aiming to prevent Russia from supplying S-300 missile systems to Iran. The trip generated media controversy and led to the dismissal of his military secretary. Later that month at the UN General Assembly, Netanyahu emphasized the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions and condemned Holocaust denial.

Under pressure from the United States, Netanyahu announced in November 2009 a partial settlement freeze lasting ten months; however, construction largely persisted during this period. Palestinians rejected the measure as inadequate.

In March 2010, despite opposition from US Vice President Biden during his visit, Israel approved plans for 1,600 new apartments in East Jerusalem’s Ramat Shlomo neighborhood. Netanyahu maintained that such areas had historically been regarded as part of Israel in any final status agreement.

By September 2010, Netanyahu consented to engage in direct negotiations with Palestinian representatives under US mediation aimed at achieving a two-state solution. The settlement freeze concluded later that month with approvals for new construction projects in West Bank locations including East Jerusalem. Former US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates later criticized Netanyahu for perceived ingratitude toward the US; Likud defended him by citing extensive domestic and American backing.

Netanyahu persistently advocated for the release of Jonathan Pollard, an American imprisoned since 1987 for spying on behalf of Israel, raising this issue repeatedly with successive US administrations.

Responding to widespread social justice demonstrations in 2011 over Israel's rising living costs, Netanyahu established the Trajtenberg Committee tasked with recommending reforms. Although he promised rapid implementation, progress was gradual due to disagreements within his coalition.

His government approved a nationwide rollout of fiber-optic internet infrastructure designed to offer affordable high-speed connectivity to households across Israel.

Initially considering early elections in 2012, Netanyahu ultimately formed a national unity government that governed until elections in 2013. In May 2012, he formally acknowledged Palestinians’ right to statehood in correspondence with Abbas while insisting on their demilitarization. In October 2012, Netanyahu’s Likud party merged with Avigdor Lieberman’s Yisrael Beiteinu party to present a joint list for the January 2013 elections.

Third term

In the 2013 elections, the Likud Beiteinu alliance led by Netanyahu secured fewer seats—eleven less—than the total previously held by the separate Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu parties. Subsequently, President Shimon Peres entrusted Netanyahu with forming Israel's Thirty-third government. Throughout this period, Netanyahu promoted policies aimed at economic deregulation. The Knesset passed the Business Concentration Law in December 2013, designed to dismantle economic monopolies, thereby lowering consumer costs, addressing income disparities, and fostering economic expansion. This legislation prohibited multi-layered corporate holding frameworks and limited firms from controlling more than two tiers of publicly traded companies or owning both financial and non-financial entities, compelling conglomerates to divest surplus assets within four to six years. Additionally, Netanyahu advanced port privatization efforts to end the Israel Port Authority's monopoly by initiating tenders for private port operations in Haifa and Ashdod in 2013, alongside pledging to reduce bureaucratic obstacles affecting industry.

In 2014, Netanyahu condemned the Palestinian unity government formed by Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, attributing responsibility for the June abduction and murder of three Israeli teenagers to Hamas. His administration launched extensive military campaigns targeting Hamas in both the West Bank and Gaza, which escalated rocket exchanges and culminated in Operation Protective Edge in July 2014, effectively terminating the ceasefire established in 2012. In U.S. media appearances, Netanyahu labeled Hamas as "genocidal terrorists" and cautioned that their objective was to ignite a third intifada.

October 2014 saw Netanyahu’s government approve a privatization initiative permitting minority sales of up to 49% in state-owned enterprises across sectors such as defense, energy, postal services, water management, railways, and ports. That same month, he stirred controversy by asserting that criticism of Israeli settlements conflicted with "American values," eliciting rebukes from the White House and straining diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Israel.

On December 2, 2014, Netanyahu dismissed ministers Yair Lapid and Tzipi Livni, resulting in the dissolution of his government and scheduling new elections for March 2015.

Netanyahu’s third address before a joint session of the U.S. Congress occurred in 2015. Prior reports suggested he attempted to prevent a Mossad briefing for U.S. senators regarding Iran’s nuclear negotiations. His speech drew criticism from American Jewish groups and lawmakers due to its timing and lack of coordination with the Obama administration. Netanyahu claimed to represent Jews worldwide—a stance challenged within segments of the Jewish community.

Approaching the March 2015 elections amid a tight contest, Netanyahu confirmed he would not endorse establishing a Palestinian state during his term, linking such support with territorial concessions to radical Islamist militants. Nonetheless, he reiterated his preference for a peaceful two-state resolution without supporting a one-state alternative.

Fourth term

During the 2015 election, Netanyahu’s Likud secured 30 seats—the largest faction in the Knesset. After initial coalition talks stalled, President Rivlin granted Netanyahu an extension until May 6 to form a government. Netanyahu successfully assembled a coalition within two hours of this deadline by partnering with Jewish Home, United Torah Judaism, Kulanu, and Shas.

In August 2015, his administration approved a biennial budget emphasizing agricultural reforms, tariff reductions aimed at lowering food prices, deregulation measures intended to reduce housing expenses and expedite infrastructure projects, as well as financial sector reforms designed to enhance competition and decrease service charges. Some significant agricultural reforms were later removed following compromises.

October 2015 brought controversy when Netanyahu claimed that Haj Amin al-Husseini inspired Hitler’s extermination plan during World War II—a perspective widely rejected by historians and criticized by Israeli scholars as Holocaust denial.

In March 2016, ultra-Orthodox coalition members threatened resignation over proposals for non-Orthodox prayer areas at the Western Wall, opposing official recognition of Conservative and Reform Judaism denominations.

On December 23, 2016, the United States abstained from UN Security Council Resolution 2334 concerning Israeli settlements, allowing its passage. Secretary of State John Kerry strongly condemned Israel’s settlement policies. Netanyahu denounced both the resolution and Kerry’s remarks; subsequently in January 2017, Israel suspended its $6 million annual UN membership dues.

In February 2017, Netanyahu became the first sitting Israeli prime minister to visit Australia accompanied by a business delegation; during this visit he signed multiple bilateral agreements with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and highlighted their longstanding relationship dating back to Australian Light Horse regiments liberating Beersheba during World War I.

Following the U.S. withdrawal decision, Netanyahu’s government announced Israel’s exit from UNESCO in October 2017 due to perceived anti-Israel bias; formal withdrawal was completed by December.

In April 2018, Netanyahu disclosed over 100,000 documents revealing Iran’s violations of its nuclear commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action; Iran dismissed these claims as propaganda.

He also commended the June 2018 North Korea–United States summit as an important step toward denuclearization.

In July 2018, under Netanyahu’s leadership, the Knesset passed the Nation-State Law—a Basic Law declaring Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people—signifying progress in advancing a right-wing legislative agenda.

Ahead of April 2019 elections, Netanyahu brokered an alliance uniting Jewish Home with far-right Otzma Yehudit into the Union of Right-Wing Parties to surpass electoral thresholds; this coalition faced media criticism due to Otzma Yehudit’s extremist Kahanist roots.

Criminal investigations and indictment

Beginning in January 2017, Israeli police launched investigations into Netanyahu concerning two interconnected matters, known as "Case 1000" and "Case 2000". Case 1000 revolves around claims that Netanyahu accepted illicit benefits from businessmen such as James Packer and film producer Arnon Milchan. Meanwhile, Case 2000 focuses on alleged negotiations with Arnon Mozes, the publisher of the Yedioth Ahronot newspaper group, aiming to secure favorable media coverage in exchange for promoting legislation detrimental to a rival outlet.

By August 2017, authorities had confirmed suspicions of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery in both investigations. Netanyahu’s former chief of staff, Ari Harow, agreed to provide testimony against him. In February 2018, police recommended indicting Netanyahu on charges including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, citing sufficient evidence. Netanyahu rejected all accusations and continued to serve as prime minister. Later that year, the Economic Crimes Division also proposed formal charges.

In February 2019, the attorney general announced intentions to indict Netanyahu on bribery and fraud allegations across three separate cases. On 21 November 2019, he was officially charged—the first sitting Israeli prime minister to face criminal indictment. Convictions could carry penalties of up to ten years for bribery and three years for fraud and breach of trust. In line with legal precedent, Netanyahu stepped down from several ministerial roles but retained his position as prime minister. The issue of whether an indictment compels resignation remains legally unresolved. Formal charges were filed on 28 January 2020.

Netanyahu’s criminal proceedings were set to commence on 24 May 2020 but experienced postponements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of April 2023, the trial was still underway.

Fifth term

Netanyahu was sworn in for a fifth term as prime minister on 17 May 2020, forming a coalition government with Benny Gantz. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Israel and amid his legal challenges, protests took place outside his residence. In response, Netanyahu imposed COVID-19 restrictions limiting demonstrations to twenty participants within a one-kilometer radius of protesters’ homes. This measure unintentionally intensified dissent, resulting in protests spreading to over a thousand locations nationwide. By March 2021, Israel had achieved the world’s highest COVID-19 vaccination rate per capita.

Following escalated tensions in Jerusalem during May 2021, Hamas launched rocket attacks from Gaza, prompting Netanyahu to initiate Operation Guardian of the Walls, an eleven-day military operation. Subsequently, Israeli politicians Naftali Bennett and opposition leader Yair Lapid agreed to form a rotation government that would succeed Netanyahu. On 13 June 2021, Bennett and Lapid inaugurated the new coalition, concluding Netanyahu’s twelve-year tenure as prime minister.

Leader of the Opposition (2021–2022)

After concluding his second term as prime minister, Netanyahu returned to serve as leader of the opposition. The Likud party remained the largest faction in the twenty-fourth Knesset. He led Likud into the 2022 Israeli legislative election.

Sixth term

After the 2022 Israeli legislative election, Netanyahu was sworn in on 29 December 2022, heading Israel's most right-wing coalition to date.

In his initial months, Netanyahu prioritized contentious judicial reforms that drew criticism for weakening the separation of powers, judicial oversight, economic stability, public health safeguards, minority rights, labor protections, scientific inquiry, democratic principles, and international relations. These reforms ignited widespread demonstrations and resistance from military reservists. Following Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s call on 25 March to pause the legislation due to security concerns, Netanyahu sought to remove him from office, which intensified unrest and delayed the legislative process by a month.

In February 2023, Netanyahu’s administration legalized nine settler outposts in the occupied West Bank, granting Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich extensive civilian authority over these areas. Peace organizations condemned this action as an effective annexation. The following month, Netanyahu’s government repealed a 2005 statute that had ordered the dismantling of four settlements. By June, under Smotrich’s oversight, approval procedures for settlement construction were accelerated, resulting in a notable rise in authorized housing units compared to 2022.

Israel opted not to supply lethal weaponry to Ukraine due to fears that such arms might fall into Iranian hands.

On 7 October 2023, in response to a significant surprise assault by Palestinian militants from Gaza, Netanyahu declared a state of war against Hamas, threatening severe destruction in Gaza and advising civilians to evacuate. He also proposed establishing an emergency unity government amid opposition parties’ appeals for cooperation during the crisis.

Netanyahu was criticized for what many described as Israel’s most significant intelligence failure in fifty years, prompting protests demanding his resignation. A 2023 survey indicated that 56% of Israelis believed he should step down following security lapses during the conflict. In late October, he faced backlash over incendiary remarks comparing Hamas to Amalek and for initially blaming security officials before retracting his comments. An investigation by Shin Bet highlighted failures but also acknowledged prior warnings delivered to Netanyahu regarding Hamas threats.

In November 2023, Netanyahu rejected calls for a ceasefire and pledged to sustain military operations in Gaza while preventing Palestinian Authority governance there. He dismissed accusations of breaching international law and referred to Palestinian civilian casualties as "collateral damage." During a meeting with released hostages, he was criticized for appearing to prioritize political considerations over their safe return. Subsequently, he advocated for supporting the "voluntary migration" of Palestinians from Gaza. Various non-governmental organizations accused him of genocide, leading to the South Africa v. Israel case at the International Court of Justice.

In May 2024, ICC prosecutor Karim Khan announced intentions to pursue arrest warrants against Netanyahu for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity connected to the Gaza conflict.

During July 2024, Netanyahu addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress amid protests opposing the Gaza war. He labeled demonstrators as "useful idiots" and vowed "total victory." He also met with former President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago and criticized Democratic candidate Kamala Harris for her position on Gaza-related atrocities.

A drone strike targeting Netanyahu’s residence in Caesarea occurred in October 2024 and was attributed to Hezbollah; no injuries were reported.

On 5 November 2024, Netanyahu dismissed Defense Minister Gallant amidst ongoing hostilities, sparking nationwide protests. Later that month, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, and Hamas commander Mohammed Deif over alleged war crimes during the Gaza conflict. Netanyahu denounced these warrants as "absurd" and "antisemitic."

On 18 March 2025, Israel conducted surprise airstrikes that ended a ceasefire with Gaza and postponed Netanyahu’s scheduled testimony related to corruption charges. Shortly thereafter, he relieved Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar of his duties amid allegations Bar investigated Qatar’s influence within Netanyahu’s office.

By May 2025, Netanyahu indicated that destruction in Gaza would compel Palestinians to emigrate.

On 13 June, Netanyahu authorized airstrikes targeting Iran that marked the beginning of the Iran–Israel war. He openly acknowledged personal repercussions from the conflict while facing cabinet criticism over increased aid deliveries to Gaza despite rejecting a U.S.-proposed ceasefire.

Authoritarianism

During Netanyahu's tenure, Israel witnessed a rise in authoritarian tendencies, democratic erosion, corruption issues, and territorial expansion. Throughout the Gaza conflict, both protests and media outlets were subjected to censorship. Netanyahu's proposed judicial reforms have drawn criticism as attempts to consolidate authoritarian power and protect himself from corruption allegations; he responds by accusing a "leftist Deep state" of exploiting the judicial system against him and the nation. His discourse has included populist elements intertwined with Anti-Arab sentiments, especially Anti-Palestinian rhetoric. The Netanyahu government is regarded as the most right-wing administration in Israel’s history and has fostered alliances with illiberal, authoritarian regimes in Hungary, Russia, and the United States.

Israeli–Palestinian conflict

From the outset, Netanyahu opposed the Oslo Accords, dedicating a chapter in his 1993 book A Place Among the Nations to criticize the peace initiative. He associated Yasser Arafat with extremist views and consistently reversed commitments made under Oslo during his leadership in the late 1990s. American envoy Dennis Ross expressed doubts regarding Netanyahu’s sincere commitment to peace. A 2001 recording revealed Netanyahu’s intention to interpret the accords in a way that would prevent Israel from retreating to the 1967 borders.

In August 2009, Netanyahu declared he would not repeat what he termed the "mistake" of withdrawing from Gaza unilaterally, arguing that such moves failed to bring about peace or security. He demanded recognition of Israel’s legitimacy and insisted on any future Palestinian state being demilitarized. By 2014, he reiterated this position, citing how previous withdrawals resulted in increased rocket attacks and Hamas gaining control.

Initially hesitant about U.S.-sponsored peace negotiations and reluctant to endorse a two-state solution, Netanyahu shifted in June 2009 towards promoting an "economic peace" approach focused on fostering economic ties over political agreements. This strategy reflected aspects of the Peace Valley plan and was discussed with former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Prior to elections, he stressed bolstering moderate Palestinian economic sectors as a pathway to peace.

In January 2009, Netanyahu informed envoy Tony Blair that while he would continue expanding current West Bank settlements, he would avoid initiating new ones—diverging from the Road Map peace plan.

By 2013, Netanyahu denied consenting to peace talks based on the green line but accepted a U.S.-proposed framework in 2014 allowing Jewish settlers to remain under Palestinian jurisdiction. Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat condemned him that year as "ideologically corrupt."

For years, Netanyahu supported Qatari financial transfers amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars to Gaza, aiming to pacify Hamas, counterbalance the Palestinian Authority, and obstruct the establishment of a Palestinian state. In 2019, he publicly acknowledged this tactic during a Likud party meeting. These funds were often delivered covertly with involvement from Israeli intelligence agencies. The payments persisted until at least September 2023, leading to a Shin Bet investigation in 2025 into alleged connections between Netanyahu’s aides and Qatar.

In January 2020, Netanyahu endorsed the Trump administration’s Israeli-Palestinian peace proposal. Following its collapse, Trump accused Netanyahu of lacking genuine intentions for peace with Palestinians.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson disclosed that in May 2017 Netanyahu presented President Trump with an edited video showing Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas inciting violence, aiming to sway U.S. policy decisions.

The U.S.-facilitated Abraham Accords resulted in normalization agreements between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (Israel–United Arab Emirates normalization agreement) as well as Bahrain (Bahrain–Israel normalization agreement)—marking the first Arab states normalizing relations with Israel since Jordan in 1994. These accords were signed by their respective foreign ministers alongside Netanyahu on 15 September 2020 at the White House.

In October 2020, Sudan consented to normalize ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords—its inaugural such agreement despite previous conflicts with Israel. Netanyahu credited President Trump for this unprecedented development. Morocco followed suit by normalizing relations in December 2020.

In July 2024, Pakistan officially labeled Netanyahu a "terrorist," holding him responsible for atrocities committed in Gaza.

Economic perspectives

By the late 1990s, Netanyahu had established himself as a prominent proponent of free-market principles. In 1999, he remarked: "Peace is an end in itself [...] peace without free markets will not generate growth. Yet free markets without peace do lead to growth." During his initial term as prime minister, he implemented reforms in the banking industry by eliminating restrictions on foreign investment, abolishing compulsory government securities purchases, and removing direct credit controls. While serving as Finance Minister from 2003 to 2005, he transformed Israel’s economy through welfare-to-work initiatives, privatization efforts, downsizing the public sector, simplifying tax structures, and introducing anti-monopoly legislation to enhance market competition. He also expanded capital gains taxation from corporations to individuals, thereby broadening the tax base while reducing income tax rates.

Netanyahu’s economic strategies played a role in sparking a period of robust growth accompanied by a marked decline in unemployment; commentators hailed this as an 'economic miracle' by the conclusion of his term. Foreign direct investment surged at an annualized pace of 380%. Critics have likened his approach to a form of "popular capitalism" inspired by Margaret Thatcher.

He defines capitalism as "the capacity for individual initiative and competition to produce goods and services for profit, without excluding others from attempting the same." Netanyahu credits his economic outlook to his experience as a consultant at Boston Consulting Group. In 1976, while examining European governments, he noted that concentrated power structures impeded competition. He further determined that Israel’s government- and union-controlled enterprises imposed even greater constraints on private sector expansion and resolved to pursue change if entrusted with leadership.

Counter-terrorism philosophy

Netanyahu’s resolute opposition to terrorism is deeply influenced by the death of his brother Yoni Netanyahu during the hostage rescue operation at Operation Entebbe. Having participated in counter-terrorism missions during his military career and authored three books on the subject, he characterizes terrorism as a variant of totalitarianism, highlighting that its effectiveness depends on targeting individuals unrelated to the terrorists' grievances in order to spread fear. He explains:

The more distant the target is from any link to the grievance claimed by terrorists, the greater the terror ... Terrorism’s core message is that every member of society is "guilty," anyone could be targeted, and no one is secure... Terrorists employ violent coercion to establish regimes based on violent coercion, demonstrating their totalitarian essence.

While acknowledging that anti-terror policies can infringe upon personal freedoms, Netanyahu argues for a careful balance between civil liberties and security measures calibrated to threat levels. During periods of intense attacks, security concerns should dominate due to the severe harm inflicted on victims and their families. Nonetheless, he insists on continual judicial oversight and legislative renewal of security powers to safeguard individual rights.

He supports more stringent immigration policies as a means of preventing terrorism: "This era of unrestricted immigration must come to an end," advocating for improved background screenings and deportation mechanisms.

Crucially, Netanyahu cautions against equating terrorists with legitimate political entities that seek their goals through dialogue rather than violence.

Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan praised Netanyahu’s counter-terrorism expertise and recommended his book Terrorism: How the West Can Win to senior members within his administration.

Capital punishment

In 2017, Netanyahu advocated imposing the death penalty on the individual responsible for the 2017 Halamish stabbing attack. His administration proposed legislation in the Knesset to permit capital punishment specifically for acts of terrorism. During a preliminary vote in January 2018, 52 out of 120 parliamentarians favored loosening judicial restrictions on imposing the death sentence. However, the bill still needed to pass three additional readings before becoming law.

Rights of LGBT individuals

Netanyahu has expressed support for equal rights concerning the LGBT community, highlighting Israel’s status as one of the most progressive nations in terms of LGBT dialogue. Speaking at a Knesset event dedicated to community rights, he underscored the principle that every individual is created in God’s image. Nevertheless, some members within his coalition opposed legal recognition of same-sex marriage.

Integration of Ethiopian Jews

In response to protests by Ethiopian Jews against police misconduct in 2015, Netanyahu committed to implementing an extensive government initiative aimed at assisting the community. He stressed a firm stance against any form of racism and discrimination.

African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem

Netanyahu has shown support for the integration of the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem into Israeli society, participating in ceremonies commemorating their migration from America in 1967. In 2012, he lauded their collaborative efforts toward societal inclusion and acknowledged their unique experience as an essential component of Israel’s national identity.

Iran

During a 2007 interview with CNN, Netanyahu compared Iran’s nuclear ambitions to Nazi Germany’s armament buildup before World War II, cautioning that Iran seeks atomic weapons to spark a worldwide conflict. By 2009, while serving as Prime Minister, he identified Iran’s nuclear program as Israel’s most severe existential threat.

At the 2009 UN General Assembly, Netanyahu characterized Iran’s leadership as fanatical and fundamentalist, representing a global civilizational danger extending beyond Israel alone. Critics argued that his emphasis on Iran diverted international attention from Palestinian issues. Former officials such as Uzi Eilam accused him of exploiting the Iranian threat for political leverage and warned against inciting public fear.

By 2012, Netanyahu had established a close partnership with Defense Minister Ehud Barak, jointly exploring military options against Iran’s nuclear sites under Israel's Begin Doctrine. This strategy faced opposition from former intelligence chiefs Yuval Diskin and Meir Dagan, who cautioned against reckless escalation. The RAND Corporation also advised against such military action.

On Israel's Holocaust Remembrance Day in 2012, Netanyahu used the occasion to highlight the Iranian nuclear threat, drawing analogies to past failures in confronting Nazi Germany—a move criticized by some Israeli scholars and former officials for politicizing the Holocaust. After the 2012 Burgas bus bombing, he attributed responsibility to Hezbollah backed by Iran.

In mid-2012, Netanyahu asserted that sanctions had not succeeded in delaying Iran’s nuclear advancement and suggested that U.S. intervention might only follow a significant attack on Israel. At that year’s UN General Assembly, he declared a "red line" at 90% uranium enrichment, warning that exceeding this level would pose an unacceptable risk. He presented a graphic depicting Iran approaching bomb-grade enrichment; however, leaked Mossad documents later revealed this assessment overestimated Iranian progress.

In a 2013 interview with BBC Persian, Netanyahu expressed admiration for Persian history but cautioned that possession of nuclear arms would entrench authoritarian rule in Iran.

Following the U.S. airstrike in 2020 that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, Netanyahu praised President Trump for decisive action.

On 13 June 2025, Netanyahu authorized airstrikes targeting Iran, marking the beginning of the Iran–Israel war. The operation aimed to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities, which were deemed an immediate existential threat to Israel. He portrayed this campaign as an opportunity for regime change consonant with exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi’s call for uprising and suggested that removing Iran’s supreme leader could bring an end to hostilities.

Bank of China terror financing case

In 2013, Netanyahu found himself balancing opposing obligations to the family of American terror victim Daniel Wultz and the Chinese authorities. While he allegedly assured U.S. Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of complete cooperation regarding the terror-financing lawsuit against Bank of China in U.S. District Court, he simultaneously gave a contradictory assurance to China prior to a state visit in May 2013. Attorney David Boies, who served as lead counsel for the Wultz family, highlighted to The Wall Street Journal that diplomatic considerations must not hinder American judicial proceedings from accessing vital evidence.

In August 2013, Ros-Lehtinen, chairwoman of the House Middle East and South Asia subcommittee, brought up the matter during a congressional delegation visit to Israel, encouraging Israeli officials to back the Wultz family's legal action. She expressed optimism for a favorable outcome while emphasizing the need for community engagement during this pivotal period.

U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, head of the Democratic National Committee, also championed accountability, affirming her dedication to collaborating with both the Wultz family and Israel to ensure all responsible entities, including Bank of China, face consequences for their involvement in the terrorist incident.

Defense and security

In 2011, Netanyahu orchestrated the exchange of 1,000 prisoners affiliated with Hamas and Fatah to secure the release of Gilad Shalit, which included individuals implicated in violent acts. Israeli authorities estimate that approximately 60% of those freed returned to terrorist activities.

That same year, the Israeli General Staff warned that Netanyahu’s proposed budget reductions would undermine combat readiness. Nevertheless, he reduced funding for social services while increasing defense expenditure by roughly six percent. Despite this increase, the military confronted a shortfall of NIS 3.7 million, endangering operational capabilities during conflict. A U.S. State Department official remarked on an unprecedented level of security collaboration between Israel and the United States under Netanyahu and President Obama.

Netanyahu enhanced the involvement of the Israeli National Security Council in shaping foreign policy strategy and decision-making processes.

Amid the Gaza war, he asserted that Israel must take "overall security responsibility" for Gaza due to Hamas’s escalation of terror activities without such oversight. He confirmed Israel's commitment to maintaining this security role over Gaza indefinitely.

Illegal immigration

In his 1995 publication Fighting Terrorism: How Democracies Can Defeat Domestic and International Terrorism, Netanyahu argued that stricter immigration policies in Western countries represent the most effective counterterrorism measure, stating that the "era of immigration free-for-all should be brought to an end."

In 2012, his administration enacted the "Prevention of Infiltration Law," which required automatic detention for all unauthorized entrants, including asylum seekers. Amnesty International criticized this law as violating international legal standards. Between 2009 and 2013, approximately 60,000 migrants entered Israel from various African nations. Netanyahu described this influx as a significant threat to Israel’s social cohesion, national security, and identity. Many migrants were confined in detention facilities located in the Negev desert. Following a ruling by Israel’s Supreme Court that deemed the law illegal for permitting indefinite detention, Netanyahu pursued new legislative measures aimed at circumventing that decision.

Netanyahu has voiced opposition to the European Union’s open immigration stance and has called on leaders in Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Poland to seal their borders against illegal immigration.

Relations with foreign leaders

Throughout his three separate terms as prime minister since the 1990s, Netanyahu forged strong connections with numerous international leaders. His longstanding association with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stems from the ideological alignment between the Likud Party and the European People's Party. Orbán expressed admiration for Netanyahu dating back to his period as Israel's Finance Minister and frequently sought his counsel.

Netanyahu also nurtured a cordial and amicable rapport with former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, whom he regarded as "one of the greatest friends" and lauded for his leadership qualities.

The diplomatic bond between Israel and India deepened considerably during Netanyahu’s tenure alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a reflection of their close personal relationship and mutual strategic interests.

Netanyahu shared a warm "personal friendship" with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he described in his 2022 publication as "intelligent, refined, and singularly focused on restoring Russia’s historical prominence." Nevertheless, their relationship has experienced tension since the onset of the Gaza war.

In early 2018, discord emerged over a Polish statute criminalizing accusations that Poles collectively participated in Holocaust crimes. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki subsequently clarified that recognizing individual Polish perpetrators would not be penalized. Netanyahu denounced Morawiecki’s initial comments as "outrageous," though the dispute was ultimately resolved with a joint declaration supporting Holocaust research and rejecting misleading terms like "Polish concentration camps."

During Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko’s visit to Jerusalem, Netanyahu faced criticism for not confronting Ukraine’s controversial policy of rehabilitating Nazi collaborators implicated in Jewish persecution.

Following Jair Bolsonaro’s election in Brazil in 2018, Netanyahu established close ties with the Brazilian president. He also cultivated a strong relationship with Argentine President Javier Milei, referring to him as a "great friend of the Jewish State" early in Milei’s leadership.

Since 2023, diplomatic engagement between Netanyahu and Chinese President Xi Jinping has intensified amid cooling US-Israel relations. This dynamic remains complex, particularly given China’s neutral position regarding the Gaza war.

Relations between Netanyahu and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have been marked by tension. After mutual accusations—including Erdoğan labeling Netanyahu a "tyrant" and "terrorist"—the two leaders have publicly clashed. Netanyahu condemned Turkey’s military operations in northeastern Syria and cautioned against ethnic cleansing of Kurds by Turkey and its allied forces.

US leadership connections

Netanyahu maintains strong associations with the leadership of the U.S. Republican Party, including the 2012 presidential nominee Mitt Romney, whom he encountered during their mutual tenure at the Boston Consulting Group in the mid-1970s.

At the 2011 G-20 summit in Cannes, French President Nicolas Sarkozy allegedly labeled Netanyahu a "liar," to which then-President Barack Obama reportedly responded by noting his daily dealings with Netanyahu. In October 2014, relations reached a boiling point when an official from the Obama administration reportedly referred to Netanyahu as a "chickenshit" following Netanyahu’s criticism of Obama’s policies. Secretary of State John Kerry subsequently issued an apology for this comment, while Netanyahu defended his position as a necessary defense of Israel’s interests. By the end of 2014, the relationship between Netanyahu and the Obama administration was generally perceived as tense, with Israel postponing any reconciliation efforts until after the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

On 23 December 2016, UN Security Council Resolution 2334 was adopted, demanding a halt to Israeli settlement activities. Instead of vetoing the resolution, the Obama administration chose to abstain, diverging from long-established U.S. policy. Netanyahu accused the administration of collaborating with adversaries at the UN and expressed confidence about cooperating with President-elect Trump and Congress to counter this decision.

Netanyahu shares a long history with Donald Trump; he knew Trump’s father during his service as Israel’s UN ambassador in New York in the 1980s. Trump endorsed Netanyahu in Israel’s 2013 elections, and in June 2019, Netanyahu honored him by naming a Golan Heights settlement "Trump Heights." Nonetheless, early in 2020, Trump reportedly contemplated supporting Netanyahu’s challenger Benny Gantz due to frustrations over annexation discussions. After Netanyahu congratulated Joe Biden on his 2020 electoral win, Trump publicly criticized him for what he perceived as disloyalty.

Democratic President Joe Biden has maintained a cordial relationship with Netanyahu over several decades. Biden referenced their nearly four-decade-long acquaintance during the 2012 vice presidential debate and in a joint statement made in Israel in 2010. However, by spring 2024, tensions had escalated between them concerning Israel’s military operation in Rafah, with reports indicating Biden called Netanyahu "a f**king liar" following Israeli actions there.

Marriages and relationships

Netanyahu has entered into three marriages and has been involved in various extramarital relationships. His first wife was Miriam Weizmann, whom he met during his military service in Israel. Both completed their military duties and pursued studies abroad—she attended Brandeis University while he studied at MIT. They married and had one daughter named Noa (born 1978).

In 1978, while Weizmann was expecting their child, Netanyahu began an affair with British student Fleur Cates; this led to their subsequent divorce shortly thereafter. After Cates converted to Judaism, they wed in 1981 but divorced seven years later in 1988.

His third spouse is Sara Ben-Artzi, a former El Al flight attendant holding a master's degree in psychology. They married in 1991 and have two sons: Yair (born 1991), who served in the IDF Spokesperson's Unit, and Avner (born 1994), recognized as a national Bible champion and former soldier in IDF Combat Intelligence.

In 1993, Netanyahu publicly acknowledged an affair with his public relations advisor Ruth Bar after being blackmailed over a secret video recording. Despite this scandal, he managed to reconcile with Sara and was subsequently elected leader of Likud. In 1996, media outlets reported on a longstanding friendship with Katherine Price-Mondadori, an Italian-American woman.

Health

Benjamin Netanyahu has been diagnosed with right bundle branch block (RBBB) since approximately 2003. In early 2008, he underwent a procedure to remove a benign colon polyp. On 22 July 2023, a pacemaker device was surgically implanted. A hernia was identified in March 2024, and later that year, in December 2024, his prostate was surgically removed due to complications arising from an enlarged prostate. His personal doctor, who is also a close confidant, is the Romanian-born pediatrician Herman Berkovits.

Authored books

• International Terrorism: Challenge and Response (1981), Transaction Publishers
• Terrorism: How the West Can Win (1987), Avon
• Fighting Terrorism: How Democracies Can Defeat Domestic and International Terrorism (1995), Farrar, Straus and Giroux
• A Durable Peace: Israel and Its Place Among the Nations (1999; originally published in 1993), Grand Central Publishing
• Bibi: My Story (2022), Simon and Schuster

See also

• Trial of Benjamin Netanayahu
• Forbes list of The World's Most Powerful People
• List of international prime ministerial trips made by Benjamin Netanyahu
• List of Israeli politicians

Further reading

• Caspit, Ben. The Netanyahu Years (2017) excerpt
• Medzini, Meron. "Rabin and Hussein: From Enemies at War to Partners in Peace." in The Palgrave Handbook of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (Palgrave Macmillan, 2019) pp. 435–446.
• Anshel Pfeffer (2018). Bibi: The Turbulent Life and Times of Benjamin Netanyahu, Basic Books.
  • Jonathan Freedland, "Trump's Chaver in Jerusalem" (review of Pfeffer), New York Review of Books, vol. LXV, no 13 (16 August 2018), pp. 32–34.
  • Adam Shatz, "The sea is the same sea" (review of Pfeffer), London Review of Books, vol. 40, no. 16 (30 August 2018), pp. 24, 26–28.
• Remnick, David, "Hostages: As Benjamin Netanyahu clings to power, his country pays a price", The New Yorker, 22 January 2024, pp. 26–39. "[Netanyahu's] highest priority... appeared [to be] to shake free of criminal corruption indictments; he was charged with accepting illegal gifts and making deals for favorable media coverage.... Netanyahu reclaimed the position providing refuge from prosecution... At the end of 2022, he forged a hard-right coalition enabling his return as Prime Minister. He included reactionaries endorsing full annexation of the West Bank and expulsion calls for Gaza's Palestinians. Netanyahu also pushed a contentious 'judicial reform' law feared by many to undermine the Supreme Court, balance of powers, and democracy." (pp. 32–33.)

External links

• Benjamin Netanyahu news and commentary at The Jerusalem Post
• Benjamin Netanyahu news and commentary at Haaretz