Benjamin Netanyahu: A Controversial Figure in Israeli Politics

The Early Years

Benjamin Netanyahu, born on October 21, 1949, in Tel Aviv, Israel, is an Israeli politician who has served as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009. Born to secular Jewish parents, Netanyahu's childhood was shaped by the political turmoil of the time, including the Six-Day War and the Yom Kippur War.

A Political Journey

After graduating from high school, Netanyahu served in the Israel Defense Forces as a special forces commando. Following his military service, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in architecture from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Political Rise

Netanyahu's political career began in the late 1980s, when he was appointed deputy mayor of Jerusalem. In 1988, he entered the Knesset (Israeli parliament) as a member of the Likud party. He quickly rose through the party ranks and became the leader of Likud in 1993.

First Term as Prime Minister (1996-1999)

In 1996, Likud won the parliamentary elections, and Netanyahu became Prime Minister at the age of 46. His first term was marked by economic and social reforms, including the privatization of state-owned industries.