Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician. He is famous for his multiple terms as the Prime Minister of Israel. He first assumed office in 1996 and served until 1999, then returned for another tenure from 2009 to 2021. As the chairman of the Likud party, Netanyahu has earned the distinction of being the longest-tenured prime minister in Israel's history, accumulating over 16 years in this role. Notably, he was the first prime minister to be born in Israel after the nation's Declaration of Independence. As of 2023, he maintains the record as the country's longest-serving prime minister. Netanyahu has faced significant criticism from his political opponents due to his government's failure to anticipate the outbreak of the 2023 Hamas-Israel war, which is considered Israel's most significant intelligence failure in the past 50 years.
Benjamin Netanyahu, a renowned Israeli politician, served multiple terms as Prime Minister, from 1996 to 1999 and again from 2009 to 2021. Leading the Likud party, he holds the record for Israel's longest-tenured prime minister, surpassing 16 years in office. Recently, Netanyahu has been criticized by opponents for presiding over Israel's biggest intelligence failure in 50 years in its inability to anticipate the 2023 Hamas–Israel war.
Benjamin Netanyahu, born on October 21, 1949, hails from Tel Aviv, Israel. About his family, he is the son of Tzila Segal and Benzion Netanyahu, a renowned Jewish historian and professor. He has two siblings, Yonatan Netanyahu, an officer in the Israel Defense Forces who tragically lost his life in 1976 during Operation Entebbe, and Iddo Netanyahu, a physician, author, and playwright. He holds Israeli nationality and his ethnicity is Israeli-White. His religion is Judaism.
Benjamin's childhood years were spent in Jerusalem, where he attended Henrietta Szold Elementary School, showcasing his discipline, academic prowess, and helpful demeanor. In 1963, the family relocated to Philadelphia, and he graduated from Cheltenham High School in 1967. He pursued higher education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, obtaining a bachelor's degree in architecture in February 1975 and a master's degree from the MIT Sloan School of Management in June 1976, although he discontinued his doctoral studies due to the loss of his brother during Operation Entebbe.
Benjamin Netanyahu's journey through both the military and political spheres is a compelling one. He began his path in the Israeli Defense Forces, where he trained as a combat soldier and played a crucial role in the rescue of a hijacked jet at Tel Aviv airport in 1972, enduring a gunshot wound during the operation. His academic pursuits led him to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, but he temporarily returned to Israel to participate in the Yom Kippur War in 1973. After completing his studies in the United States, earning degrees in architecture and management from MIT, and engaging in political science studies at Harvard, he ventured into the corporate world as a management consultant for the Boston Consulting Group from 1976 to 1978.
His political career took shape when he returned to Israel in 1978 and began building connections with influential Israeli politicians. Notably, he served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., from 1982 to 1984 and later as the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations from 1984 to 1988. In 1988, he was elected as a Knesset member by the Likud Party and subsequently served as deputy minister for foreign affairs. Netanyahu's political trajectory culminated in his victory in the 1996 Israeli legislative election, becoming Israel's Prime Minister.
During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in signing the Hebron and Wye Accords, advocated for economic reforms, and served in various ministerial roles. His political journey, however, faced ups and downs, including a temporary retirement, until he assumed office once again in 2009 and continued to lead the country through numerous elections, investigations, and government formations, ultimately serving as Prime Minister for several terms until his departure in 2021.
Following the 2022 election, Netanyahu was inaugurated for a new term as Prime Minister, leading a staunch coalition, and he formally commenced his sixth term on December 29, 2022. In the initial months of Netanyahu's sixth term, there was a strong focus on judicial reforms, which faced widespread criticism due to concerns about their adverse impact on the separation of powers, the Attorney General's office, the economy, public health, women and minorities, workers' rights, scientific research, Israel's democratic foundation, and foreign relations.
These concerns prompted significant public protests, including support from military reservists. Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant's opposition to the reforms on March 25, citing potential threats to Israel's security, led to his removal by Netanyahu the following day. This move triggered further mass protests, ultimately prompting Netanyahu to agree to a one-month delay in the legislation until the next Knesset session after Passover.
On 7 October 2023, after Palestinian militants from Gaza launched a major surprise attack, he announced that Israel would enter into a state of war against Hamas. He threatened to "turn all the places where Hamas is organized and hiding into cities of ruins", called Gaza "the city of evil, and urged its residents to "leave now". He later proposed that opposition parties Yesh Atid and National Unity enter an emergency unity government amid the conflict after Leader of the Opposition Lapid urged Netanyahu put "aside our differences and form an emergency, narrow, professional government."
The outbreak of war led to increased dislike of Netanyahu and the government from Israeli citizens due to a perceived failure of leadership on the issue, with increased calls for Netanyahu's resignation. A poll showed that 56 percent of Israelis believed that Netanyahu must resign after the conflict, with 86% of respondents holding the country's leadership responsible for the security failings that led to the surprise attack.
Benjamin Netanyahu is a successful politician who assumed the role of Prime Minister of Israel in December 2022. As of 2023, his estimated net worth stands at $16 million. He is making his annual salary exceeding $1.5 million. Notably, he enjoys a collection of cars and resides in a luxurious bungalow. He is leading a lavish lifestyle right now. He is believed to be one of the wealthiest politician.
Benjamin Netanyahu is currently married to his third wife, Sara Ben-Artzi, whom he wed in 1991. Sara, who previously worked as a flight attendant and psychologist, shares a life with Benjamin and their two sons, Yair, born on 26 July 1991, a former soldier in the IDF Spokesperson's Unit, and Avner, born on 10 October 1994, a national Bible champion and winner of the National Bible Quiz for Youth in Kiryat Shmona, who also served as a soldier in the IDF Combat Intelligence Collection Corps. Their family appears to be enjoying a contented life together.
Before his marriage to Sara, Benjamin Netanyahu was married to Miriam Weizmann from 1972 until 1978, and they have a daughter, Noa Netanyahu, born on April 29, 1978. Noa later married Daniel Roth, giving birth to a son named Shmuel in 2009, another son, David, in 2011, and a daughter in 2016. Benjamin also had a brief marriage with Fleur Cates in 1981, following an affair that began in 1978, but this union ultimately ended in divorce in 1988.
Benjamin Netanyahu, at his current age, exudes a distinguished charm with his slim build and a height of 5 feet 9½ inches, although he once stood at 5 feet 10½ inches during his prime. While his weight is a trim 72 kilograms, his black hair has gracefully transitioned to gray over the years, adding a touch of wisdom to his striking appearance. His hazel eyes and a distinctive wide forehead complete the iconic features of this statesman.
Benjamin Netanyahu is the longest-serving prime minister in Israel's history, having held office from 1996 to 1999 and then again from 2009 to 2021. His record-breaking tenure has had a profound and lasting impact on the nation's political landscape and policies, solidifying his legacy in Israeli history.
In addition to his fluency in Hebrew, Benjamin Netanyahu is well-versed in English, French, and Spanish. His multilingual skills have proven invaluable in facilitating communication with international leaders and advocating for Israel on the global diplomatic front.
In his youth, Benjamin enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and gained entry into the esteemed Sayeret Matkal, an elite special forces unit renowned for its clandestine missions and intelligence gathering. His time in the military profoundly influenced his comprehension of security matters.
In addition to his political career, Netanyahu is a prolific author, having penned multiple books that delve into subjects like terrorism, politics, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His written works offer valuable insights into his viewpoints on these intricate and challenging matters.
Throughout his political career, Benjamin has experienced both notable achievements and legal controversies. These controversies have involved allegations of corruption, fraud, and breach of trust, leading to legal investigations and trials that have cast a shadow over his otherwise distinguished political journey.