Benjamin Netanyahu born October 21, 1949 is an Israeli politician currently serving as the Prime Minister of Israel since 2022, having previously held the position from 1996 to 1999 and from 2009 to 2021. He is the chair of the Likud party and is the longest-serving prime minister in Israel’s history, totaling over 17 years in office. Netanyahu was born to secular Jewish parents and spent part of his childhood in the United States before returning to Israel in 1967. He served in the Israel Defense Forces’ Sayeret Matkal special forces and later earned a degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He worked at the Boston Consulting Group before founding the Yonatan Netanyahu Anti-Terror Institute in Israel. Netanyahu served as Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations from 1984 to 1988 and gained political prominence as the chair of Likud in 1993.
Benjamin Netanyahu Biography 2025
He became Israel’s first prime minister elected by popular vote in 1996 and the youngest to hold the office. After losing the 1999 election, he stepped away from politics but returned to serve in various ministerial roles, including as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Finance. He led Likud to victories in the 2009, 2013, and 2015 elections and forged a close relationship with Donald Trump, influencing U.S. policy towards Israel. Despite his successes, Netanyahu has faced significant criticism over issues such as expanding Israeli settlements in the West Bank and legal troubles, including indictments on bribery and fraud charges in 2019. Following a political crisis, he lost the premiership in June 2021 but regained it after the 2022 elections. His current government has pursued controversial judicial reforms and faced widespread protests. The situation escalated in October 2023 with a large-scale attack by Hamas, leading to criticism of Netanyahu for intelligence failures. His government has faced accusations of war crimes, with the International Criminal Court indicating plans to investigate.
Benjamin Netanyahu Biography Details
| Born |
21 October 1949 (age 75)
Tel Aviv, Israel |
| Political party |
Likud |
| Spouses |
|
| Children |
3, including Yair |
| Parents |
- Benzion Netanyahu (father)
- Tzila Segal (mother)
|
| Relatives |
- Nathan Mileikowsky (grandfather)
- Yonatan Netanyahu (brother)
- Iddo Netanyahu (brother)
- Elisha Netanyahu (uncle)
- Nathan Netanyahu (cousin)
|
| Alma mater |
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (BS, MS)
- Harvard University
|
| Occupation |
- Diplomat
- management consultant
- marketing executive
- politician
- writer
|
| Cabinet |
|
| Website |
www.netanyahu.org.il |
| Nickname |
Bibi |
Benjamin Netanyahu Early Life
Netanyahu was born in Tel Aviv and raised in Jerusalem. His family moved to the United States for parts of his childhood due to his father’s academic work. He attended Cheltenham High School, where he was active in various clubs. Discontent with the cultural environment, he and his brother Yonatan developed a strong connection to their Jewish identity.
Benjamin Netanyahu, an influential and polarizing figure in Israeli politics, has served as the Prime Minister of Israel across three non-consecutive terms, making him the longest-serving prime minister in the country’s history. Born on October 21, 1949, in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu’s early life and education laid the groundwork for his complex political career. His tenure has been marked by significant achievements, controversies, and legal challenges, including serious allegations of corruption that have defined much of his recent political landscape.
Netanyahu’s career began in the military, where he served in the elite Sayeret Matkal unit, followed by a solid academic background at prestigious institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His political rise started with his involvement in the Likud party, leading to his election as Prime Minister in 1996. Over the years, Netanyahu has navigated both domestic and international challenges, making substantial impacts on Israeli policy and foreign relations, particularly during his interactions with leaders like Donald Trump.
Benjamin Netanyahu Bio
| Benjamin Netanyahu |
Overview |
| Birth Date |
October 21, 1949 |
| Birthplace |
Tel Aviv, Israel |
| Family Background |
Secular Jewish parents |
| Early Education |
Henrietta Szold Elementary School |
| High School |
Cheltenham High School, Pennsylvania |
Career Beginnings
| Benjamin Netanyahu |
Career Overview |
| Military Service |
Israel Defense Forces, Sayeret Matkal |
| Education |
MIT, Bachelor and Master’s degrees |
| Early Job |
Economic consultant at Boston Consulting Group |
| Establishment |
Founded Yonatan Netanyahu Anti-Terror Institute |
Political Rise
| Benjamin Netanyahu |
Political Overview |
| Early Politics |
Joined Likud party in late 80s |
| Leader of Opposition |
Elected as party leader before 1996 elections |
| First Prime Minister |
Elected in 1996, youngest PM in history |
First Tenure as Prime Minister
| Benjamin Netanyahu |
Key Events |
| Negotiations |
Engaged with Yasser Arafat |
| Economic Policies |
Initiated economic liberalization |
| Scandals |
Faced major corruption allegations |
Return to Politics
| Benjamin Netanyahu |
Political Comeback |
| Ministerial Positions |
Foreign Affairs, Finance |
| Economic Reforms |
Introduced significant reforms |
| Resignation |
Left Finance post due to policy clashes |
Second Tenure as Prime Minister
| Benjamin Netanyahu |
Election and Governance |
| Election Victory |
Formed government in 2009 |
| Coalition Governments |
Led successful campaigns in 2013 and 2015 |
| Political Challenges |
Navigated deadlock and coalition agreements |
Criminal Investigations
| Benjamin Netanyahu |
Legal Issues |
| Investigations |
Began in 2017 |
| Indictment |
Formally charged in 2019 |
| Potential Sentences |
Up to 13 years in prison |
Personal Life
| Benjamin Netanyahu |
Family Overview |
| First Marriage |
Miriam Weizmann, 1972-1980 |
| Second Marriage |
Fleur Cates, 1981-1984 |
| Current Marriage |
Sara Ben-Artzi since 1991 |
Benjamin Netanyahu Net Worth
Benjamin Netanyahu’s net worth is estimated to be a mind-boggling $12 million.
Benjamin Netanyahu Summary
Benjamin Netanyahu’s journey through politics has been marked by significant achievements and controversies. From his early life in Israel and the U.S. to his military service and academic achievements, his path has shaped the course of Israeli politics. Despite the challenges he has faced, including legal battles and public protests, Netanyahu’s influence remains profound in shaping Israel’s national policies and international relations. His career exemplifies the complexities and intricacies of leadership in a highly dynamic political environment.
