Benjamin Netanyahu: Israel's Long-Serving Prime Minister

Early Life and Career

Benjamin Netanyahu, also known as Bibi Netanyahu, was born in Tel Aviv on October 21, 1949. His father, Benzion Netanyahu, was a historian and professor, while his mother, Tzila Segal, was a journalist.

Netanyahu spent his childhood and adolescence in Jerusalem, where he graduated from high school. After completing his military service in the Israel Defense Forces, he went on to study at various universities in the United States, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University.

Political Journey

Netanyahu entered politics in the 1980s, serving as a member of the Knesset (Israel's parliament) for the Likud party. He rose through the ranks of the party, becoming its leader in 1993. In 1996, at the age of 46, he was elected Prime Minister of Israel, becoming the youngest person to hold the position.

Netanyahu's tenure as Prime Minister was marked by a focus on security and a hardline stance against Palestinian militants. He implemented controversial policies, including the construction of the West Bank barrier, which was intended to prevent terrorist attacks on Israel from the Palestinian territories.

Later Years

After losing the 1999 election, Netanyahu served as the leader of the opposition for a decade. He returned to power in 2009 and began a second term as Prime Minister, which lasted until 2015. During this time, he faced challenges such as the Arab uprisings and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In 2022, Netanyahu was re-elected as Prime Minister, forming a coalition government with several right-wing parties. He remains a controversial figure, with his policies and actions attracting both criticism and support.