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.
Senior Hamas leaders in Doha told to lay down weapons after Trump ceasefire proposal - report
The move to lay down weapons can be viewed as symbolic because Israel has demanded Hamas disarmament as a condition for ending the war.
Two men indicted for spying for Iran, plan assassination of Netanyahu
Frustration with our leadership must not lead to our annihilation - editorial
IDF carries out strikes throughout Gaza, reportedly begins operation in West Bank
Netanyahu visits grave of brother Yoni, killed during 1976's Operation Entebbe
This is the 49th anniversary of Yoni's death, after he was killed in action during Operation Entebbe in 1976, a hostage rescue mission at Entebbe Airport in Uganda.
New suspect in Qatargate case, Maj.-Gen. (res.) Poli Mordechai, brought in for questioning
Mordechai is suspected of transferring hundreds of thousands of shekels from his business to Yonatan Urich, the main suspect in the Qatargate case.
Former Hamas hostage Edan Alexander to meet with President Trump
Alexander’s release was seen as a ‘gesture’ from Hamas to Trump, and the two spoke over the phone shortly after his return to Israel.
Likud ministers call on Netanyahu to apply Israeli sovereignty over W. Bank ahead of Trump visit
"The October 7 massacre proved that the doctrine of settlement blocs and the establishment of a Palestinian state in the remaining territory is an existential danger to Israel."
Hamas expected to respond to hostage deal in next 24 hours after Israel gives green light - sources
"For the first time, there is real optimism that Hamas will say ‘yes,’" two sources familiar with the talks told The Jerusalem Post.
Eisenkot walks out, Gantz leads in - and bets on compromise - analysis
Gadi Eisenkot's dramatic exit forces Israeli politics to choose between confrontational alliances to defeat Netanyahu or Gantz's revolutionary pivot toward compromise.
'There will be no Hamastan,' Netanyahu declares as terror group reviews US ceasefire proposal
"There will not be a Hamas. There will not be a Hamastan. We're not going back to that. It's over," he said.
Mossad chief Barnea most trusted official among Arab Israelis, IDI poll reveals
In a poll conducted during Operation Rising Lion, the IDI learned that only 40% of Israeli adults have retained trust in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Netanyahu criminal trial: Judges approve cancelation of testimonies next week due to US trip
Netanyahu is scheduled to fly out on Sunday, and return either on Thursday or Friday.
Ben-Gvir rallies Smotrich to block Gaza ceasefire, opposition offers Netanyahu 'safety net'
Yair Lapid said the opposition would offer Netanyahu support to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal, should Ben-Gvir and Smotrich oppose.
Israel awaits Hamas hostage deal response, Iran nuclear program set back one, two years
IDF announces fallen soldier • Netanyahu calls for 'end to Hamas' • Likud ministers call for sovereignty over West Bank