Benjamin Netanyahu: Prime Minister of Israel

Early Life and Education

Benjamin Netanyahu was born on October 21, 1949, in Tel Aviv, Israel. His father, Benzion Netanyahu, was a historian, and his mother, Zila, was a nurse. Netanyahu obtained a bachelor's degree in architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1972 and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1973.

Political Career

Netanyahu entered politics in the 1980s. He was elected to the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in 1988 and served as Minister of Finance from 1993 to 1995. In 1996, he was elected Prime Minister, a position he held until 1999. Netanyahu was re-elected Prime Minister in 2009 and served until 2015. He returned to power in 2018 and has held the position since.

Policies and Controversies

Netanyahu is known for his hawkish views on security matters. He has supported the expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and the construction of a wall along the border with the Palestinian territories. Netanyahu has also been criticized for his handling of the Gaza conflict and his relationship with the United States.

Personal Life

Netanyahu is married to Sara Netanyahu, a psychologist. They have three children. Netanyahu is an avid collector of Israeli art and enjoys reading history and philosophy.