Benjamin Netanyahu: Israel's Veteran Prime Minister

Early Life and Career

Benjamin Netanyahu was born on October 21, 1949, in Tel Aviv, Israel. He is the son of Holocaust survivors and spent his early years in the United States, where he attended high school in Pennsylvania.

Netanyahu returned to Israel in 1967 to serve in the Israel Defense Forces. After completing his military service, he earned a bachelor's degree in economics and a master's degree in management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Political Journey

Netanyahu entered politics in the early 1990s and quickly rose through the ranks of the Likud party. In 1996, he became Israel's youngest prime minister, a position he held for two terms.

First Term as Prime Minister (1996-1999)

During his first term, Netanyahu led Israel through a period of economic prosperity and signed the Wye River Memorandum, a peace agreement with the Palestinians.

Second Term as Prime Minister (2009-2021)

Netanyahu returned to power as prime minister in 2009 and served for an unprecedented 12 years. During this period, he oversaw Israel's economic growth and strengthened its defense capabilities.

Loss of Power (2021)

In June 2021, Netanyahu lost his hold on power after a coalition of opposition parties formed a new government. He remains a prominent figure in Israeli politics and serves as the leader of the opposition.

Key Policies

Netanyahu is known for his strong support of Israeli security and his commitment to a two-state solution with the Palestinians. He has also advocated for economic growth and reduced regulation.