Benjamin Netanyahu: A Political Journey

Early Life and Career

Benjamin Netanyahu was born on October 21, 1949, in Tel Aviv, Israel. He studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard Business School before returning to Israel to join the Israel Defense Forces. After serving as a commander in the Sayeret Matkal elite unit, Netanyahu entered politics as an advisor to Prime Minister Menachem Begin.

Leader of the Opposition

In 1993, Netanyahu was elected leader of the Likud party, becoming the leader of the opposition in the Knesset. He held this position for three years before being elected Prime Minister in 1996.

Prime Minister

As Prime Minister, Netanyahu led Israel through a period of economic growth and security challenges. He played a key role in the Oslo Accords, which established the Palestinian Authority, but also oversaw the construction of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Return to Opposition

Netanyahu lost the 1999 elections to Ehud Barak but regained the position of leader of the opposition. He served in this role until 2006, when he became Minister of Finance under Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

Prime Minister Again

In 2009, Netanyahu was elected Prime Minister for a second time. He formed a right-wing government that continued to expand Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Netanyahu also played a significant role in Israel's response to the Arab Spring and the Iranian nuclear program.