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.
‘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
The Jerusalem Dispatch: ‘Perfect Storm’ Could Topple Netanyahu Government - WATCH
Netanyahu: Significant progress on Gaza hostage deal, too soon to give people hope
Netanyahu government's assistance to northern Israelis 'incomplete,' comptroller says
A long-term plan doesn't exist, which is essentially what is preventing around half of residents from returning to their homes.
Israeli companies sold millions in weapons, equipment to Qatar, Netanyahu approved deals
In order to make the sales, the companies were required to get approval from the Foreign Ministry, the Defense Ministry, and the prime minister.
‘I wasn’t a dog that answers to whistles,’ Netanyahu says at trial
Netanyahu testified that his friendships with billionaires Milchan and Packer were personal, denying any political favors despite evidence of gifts and contact.
Trump holds phone call with Netanyahu on Iran, trying to 'avoid death and destruction'
The call comes as Trump has been trying to accelerate aid into Gaza and has been trying to persuade Iran to give up its nuclear program.
Legal experts decry minister's illegal move in summoning A-G for arraignment
Baharav-Miara has been blamed for intentionally issuing restrictive legal opinions in order to trip up and eventually topple the government.
Road to elections? Shas, Degel Hatorah will vote to dissolve Knesset, parties say
"The ultra-Orthodox public feels persecuted by the Likud and [MK Yuli] Edelstein," the Shas spokesperson said.
Netanyahu trial: Cross-examination testimony opens in Tel Aviv
Three steps ahead: How Edelstein outmaneuvered everyone and is positioned to save Israel - opinion
Perhaps, right now, we are witnessing the redemption of the man who was shot in the first act but storms back in the final act with a submachine gun, to save what’s left of Israel.
Yossi Cohen's party could struggle to pass electoral threshold, new poll shows
A new poll reveals that Cohen would only receive four mandates, three of which would come from the Change Bloc.
Netanyahu, Liberman test the line between wartime strategy, political ambition - analysis
Liberman positions himself for a post-Netanyahu era, but his leak of sensitive wartime policy reveals he’s playing the same political game he criticizes.
Former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen may run if Israeli elections are announced
Former Mossad Chief Yossi Cohen plans to launch an independent political party amid changing Israeli public sentiment post-war.
