Benjamin Netanyahu - Main milestones

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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician and diplomat who has served as the Prime Minister of Israel three times (1996–99, 2009–21, and 2022– ). Born in Tel Aviv in 1949, Netanyahu has been a pivotal figure in Israeli politics, known for his conservative stance and significant roles in various peace negotiations and conflicts.

Birth

October 21, 1949

Benjamin Netanyahu was born in Tel Aviv, Israel, to a secular Jewish family. His father, Benzion Netanyahu, was a historian.

Move to the United States

1963

Netanyahu's family moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he attended high school. This period marked the beginning of his international exposure.

Military Service

1967

Netanyahu enlisted in the Israeli military and joined the elite special operations unit Sayeret Matkal. He participated in several counter-terrorism missions, including the rescue of a hijacked plane at Tel Aviv airport in 1972.

Education and Personal Tragedy

1976

Netanyahu graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.B.A., 1976). The same year, his brother Jonathan died leading the Entebbe raid, prompting Benjamin to found the Jonathan Institute to combat terrorism.

Entry into Politics

1988

Netanyahu was elected to the Knesset as a member of the Likud party. He served as deputy minister of foreign affairs and later as deputy minister in Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir’s coalition cabinet.

Leadership of Likud

1993

Netanyahu became the leader of the Likud party, succeeding Yitzhak Shamir. He was known for his opposition to the 1993 Israel-PLO peace accords.

First Term as Prime Minister

1996–99

Netanyahu won the direct election for prime minister by a narrow margin. His term was marked by unrest, including deteriorating relations with Syria and intense fighting with Palestinians. He agreed to withdraw troops from Hebron and participated in the Wye Memorandum peace talks.

Second Term as Prime Minister

2009–21

Netanyahu led the Likud party to significant gains in the 2009 elections and formed a coalition government. He expressed qualified support for a demilitarized Palestinian state but faced challenges in peace negotiations. His term was also marked by legal troubles, including indictment on corruption charges.

Third Term as Prime Minister

2022–

After a brief period out of office, Netanyahu returned as prime minister following the 2022 elections. His government included far-right ministers in key positions, reflecting a shift in Israel’s political landscape.

Other Timelines

Early Life and Education

Key Policies and Events

Personal Life and Relationships

Political Career