Early Life and Background
Benjamin Netanyahu (born October 21, 1949) is the longest-serving Prime Minister in Israel’s history, currently leading his sixth government since December 2022. Born in Tel Aviv to secular Jewish parents, Netanyahu hails from a family deeply rooted in Zionist activism:
- Father: Benzion Netanyahu, a historian and Revisionist Zionist ideologue.
- Brother: Yonatan Netanyahu, an Israeli commando killed during the 1976 Entebbe hostage rescue operation, later immortalized as a national hero.
Netanyahu spent part of his adolescence in Philadelphia, where his father taught history. He returned to Israel in 1967 to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Military Service and Education
- Military: Joined the elite Sayeret Matkal special forces unit (1967–1972), participating in covert operations, including the 1972 Sabena Flight 571 rescue mission.
- Education:
- Earned a Bachelor’s in Architecture and a Master’s in Business Administration from MIT (1975–1977).
- Studied political science at Harvard.
Early Political Career
Netanyahu entered politics in 1982 as Deputy Chief of Mission to Israel’s embassy in Washington, D.C. His fluency in English and media savvy propelled his rise:
- Ambassador to the UN (1984–1988): Gained international prominence defending Israel during the First Intifada.
- Likud Party: Elected to the Knesset in 1988, serving as Deputy Foreign Minister (1988–1991) and Deputy Prime Minister (1991–1992).
First Term as Prime Minister (1996–1999)
Netanyahu became Israel’s youngest PM at age 46 after defeating Shimon Peres in 1996. Key policies:
- Security: Signed the Hebron Protocol (1997), ceding partial control of the West Bank city to the Palestinian Authority (PA) while expanding settlements.
- Economy: Liberalized markets, spurring tech-sector growth.
- Diplomacy: Clashed with the Clinton administration over the Oslo Accords, advocating “reciprocity” in peace talks.
His term ended amid corruption allegations and public frustration over stalled peace efforts.
Political Comeback and Dominance (2009–2021)
After a decade in opposition, Netanyahu returned as PM in 2009, shaping Israel’s policies for over a decade:
- Security and Iran:
- Opposed the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), warning of Tehran’s regional ambitions.
- Ordered covert strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Hezbollah targets.
- Settlements: Expanded West Bank settlements, solidifying support among right-wing voters.
- Diplomatic Breakthroughs:
- Brokered the Abraham Accords (2020), normalizing ties with UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco.
- Strengthened alliances with the U.S. (under Trump) and India.
- Domestic Policies:
- Boomed Israel’s tech economy, earning the nickname “Start-Up Nation.”
- Faced criticism for austerity measures and rising inequality.
Ouster, Opposition, and Return to Power (2021–Present)
Netanyahu was ousted in June 2021 after a coalition of centrist, left-wing, and Arab parties united to end his 12-year rule. He became opposition leader but returned as PM in December 2022 after elections gave his Likud-led bloc a majority.
Sixth Government (2022–Present):
- Coalition Partners: Ultra-Orthodox parties and far-right factions, including Itamar Ben-Gvir (National Security Minister) and Bezalel Smotrich (Finance Minister).
- Key Policies:
- Judicial Overhaul: Sparked mass protests (2023) by seeking to curb Supreme Court powers, criticized as a threat to democracy.
- Security Escalation: Launched major military operations in Jenin (2023) and a prolonged war against Hamas following the October 7, 2023, attacks, which killed 1,200 Israelis.
- Settlement Expansion: Accelerated construction in the West Bank, drawing international condemnation.
Controversies and Scandals
- Corruption Charges: Indicted in 2019 for bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three cases (Case 1000, 2000, 4000). His trial, ongoing since 2020, has polarized Israeli society.
- Polarizing Leadership: Accused of deepening ethnic, religious, and political divides for electoral gain.
- Family Scandals: Wife Sara Netanyahu convicted of misuse of public funds (2019); son Yair Netanyahu criticized for inflammatory rhetoric.
Personal Life
- Marriages: Married to Sara Netanyahu (née Ben-Artzi) since 1991; two sons, Yair and Avner. His first marriage to Miriam Weizmann ended in divorce.
- Language Skills: Fluent in Hebrew, English, and French.
- Pop Culture: Parodied globally for his hawkish image but maintains a loyal base for his “Mr. Security” persona.
Legacy and Challenges
Netanyahu’s legacy is fiercely debated:
- Supporters: Hail him as a guarantor of Israel’s security and economic prosperity.
- Critics: Blame him for eroding democratic institutions and fueling the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
As of 2024, his government faces existential challenges:
- War in Gaza: Pressure to eliminate Hamas while securing hostage releases.
- Domestic Unrest: Protests over judicial reforms and draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews.
- Global Isolation: Growing backlash over Gaza civilian casualties and settlement policies.
At 74, Netanyahu remains a dominant but divisive figure, striving to balance his historical ambitions with a nation in crisis.
Tenure:
- 1996–1999; 2009–2021; 2022–Present
(Note: Israel’s PM serves at the Knesset’s confidence. Netanyahu’s current term hinges on coalition stability.)