Historical Figure
Benjamin Netanyahu
b. 1949
Prime Minister of Israel (1996–1999; 2009–2021; 2022–present)
Talk to Benjamin Netanyahu
Have a conversation with this historical figure through AI
Biography
Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu is an Israeli politician and diplomat who has served as Prime Minister of Israel since 2022. Having previously held office from 1996 to 1999 and from 2009 to 2021, Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving prime minister.
In Their Own Words (5)
We'll attack anyone who tries to harm our citizens.
Speech at the Knesset, as quoted in The Jerusalem Post (31 October 2010) , 2010
The Czech Republic stood with the U.S., Canada and a handful of other countries against the prevailing international current, but history has shown us time and again that what is right is not what is popular.
During his stay in Prague, Netanyahu praised the Czech government for opposing the Palestinian move in the UN General Assembly to have a status upgrade, as quoted in "Merkel Meets Netanyahu amid Tense Relations" (6 December 2012) , 2012
Amos Regev, the editor-[in-chief] of Israel HaYom, is a personal friend and my conversations with him are not within the framework of my job.
Response to an FOI request by Haaretz on ties between Netanyahu and the management of Israel's largest newspaper (11 June 2015) , 2015
Every time an Arab leader truly wanted peace, they got it. If the Palestinians truly want peace, we will make peace.
Speech to the United Nations General Assembly, as quoted in "Netanyahu speech / PM slams Gaza probe, challenges UN to confront Iran" in Haaretz (24 September 2009) , 2009
Israel without Jerusalem is like a body without a heart. Our heart will never be divided again.
During a ceremony marking Jerusalem Day Netanyahu: Israel will continue to build Jerusalem and keep it united (20 May 2012) , 2012
Timeline
The story of Benjamin Netanyahu, told in moments.
Returns to the US after serving in Sayeret Matkal, Israel's most elite special forces unit. He's been in combat, including Operation Inferno, a hostage rescue on a hijacked Sabena airliner. He earns degrees from MIT in architecture and management.
His brother Yonatan is killed leading the raid on Entebbe, rescuing hostages from a hijacked Air France flight in Uganda. It shapes the rest of Benjamin's life. He founds the Jonathan Institute for counter-terrorism research.
Elected Prime Minister at 46. First Israeli PM chosen by direct popular vote. He defeats Shimon Peres by less than one percentage point. He campaigns on security after a wave of bus bombings.
Returns to power after a decade in the political wilderness. This second stint will last 12 continuous years. He becomes Israel's longest-serving prime minister, surpassing David Ben-Gurion.
Indicted on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. He doesn't resign. Three elections in one year can't dislodge him. He's removed from office in June 2021, returns in December 2022.
Hamas attacks southern Israel. Over 1,200 killed. Netanyahu orders a military campaign in Gaza that draws international condemnation and an ICC arrest warrant. The longest-serving Israeli leader now presides over the country's longest war.
More from the Modern
Explore what happened on the days that shaped Benjamin Netanyahu's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.