Benjamin Netanyahu
Benjamin Netanyahu is the longest-serving prime minister of Israel since its inception.
Born in Tel Aviv on October 21, 1949, he grew up in Jerusalem before moving with his family to Pennsylvania during his high school years, where his father taught history. In 1967 Netanyahu returned to Israel and joined the IDF's Sayeret Matkal special forces unit, where he served until 1973.
He took part in many military operations, including a 1972 rescue mission of hostages in a hijacked Sabena airplane, during which he was shot in the shoulder. Netanyahu finished his military service in 1972, but returned to serve in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, after which he was promoted to the rank of Captain.
His brother Yonatan "Yoni," an IDF officer, was killed during Operation Entebbe in 1976 at the Entebbe Airport in Uganda where Israelis were being held hostage. His was the only death resulting from the mission.
He has degrees in architecture and business management from MIT. He also studied political science at MIT and Harvard University. He served as Israel's ambassador to the UN from 1984-1988, and as Minister of Foreign Affairs under Ariel Sharon's government.
In 1993 Netanyahu was elected Likud party chairman and served as the leader of the opposition until being elected prime minister in 1996. In 2009, he was elected prime minister for the second time, in January 2013 a third, and in March 2015 a fourth.
He is married to Sara Netanyahu with whom he has two children, Yair and Avner.
In 2018, the Mossad stole Iran's nuclear archive. Netanyahu later presented the information to the international community. Netanyahu strongly opposes a nuclear deal with Iran.
Under the rotation government set by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, Netanyahu serves as the leader of the opposition.
Opposition's Knesset dispersal bill fails after Edelstein, haredim reach draft bill agreement
When the opposition called for the vote, Deputy Minister Yaakov Tesler and MK Moshe Roth of Agudat Yisrael voted in favor of dissolving the Knesset.
Israel prepares for Iran strikes, IAEA says Iran violates nuclear agreements
Knesset dispersal vote uncertain as haredim, Edelstein hold late meeting
Netanyahu reports feeling ‘sick,’ trial hearing ends early
Israel weighs peace negotiations with Syria, asks US to mediate - report
If such negotiations were to occur, it would be the first time officials from Jerusalem and Damascus have held talks since 2011.
End of cooperation with Israeli banks may harm Palestinian economy, Palestinians say
On Wednesday, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich cancelled a waiver on cooperation between Israeli and Palestinian banks.
Knesset passes law to require gov't to formulate national security policy
Behind the law is the idea that often Israeli governments let politics and short-term considerations govern their major decisions.
Netanyahu using Iran tension, threats to try and stop Knesset dispersion vote
The vote to dissolve the Knesset is expected to happen around 10 p.m. after opposition party heads unanimously agreed to vote on the issue.
Opposition leaders announce they will go through with Knesset dispersal vote
Despite public announcements that they would support the dispersal bill, haredi politicians were slightly more hesitant on Tuesday night as to whether they would follow through on their threat.
Knesset dispersal vote may be postponed, At least five killed in Hamas attack on GHF bus
Two hostages' bodies recovered from Gaza • Gov't to vote on Knesset dispersal • US, Iran not likely to hold sixth round of nuclear talks
High Court: Gov't to respond within five days to interim orders in case against A-G
The Movement for Quality Government in Israel has argued to the Supreme Court that the government is attempting to enact policies targeting Baharav-Miara.
‘Israel is a lighthouse of freedom’: Argentinian President Milei meets Netanyahu and Herzog
Milei reaffirmed Argentina’s “unwavering commitment” to Israel and described the partnership as grounded in shared democratic values.
Trump to Netanyahu: 'The war is exhausting itself - finish it' - report
N12 attributed these quotes to the phone call that took place between Trump and Netanyahu on Monday evening.
The Jerusalem Dispatch: ‘Perfect Storm’ Could Topple Netanyahu Government - WATCH
The present Netanyahu-led government has exhausted 13 years of delaying strategies and broken promises to the haredi parties.
Netanyahu: Significant progress on Gaza hostage deal, too soon to give people hope
The Hostage Families Forum responded to Netanyahu's remarks, where they urged the prime minister to reach a deal to free their loved ones.
