Early Life And Political Beginnings

Benjamin Netanyahu: A Political Biography

Early Life and Political Beginnings

Benjamin Bibi Netanyahu was born on October 21, 1949, in Tel Aviv, Israel. He is the son of Benzion Netanyahu, a historian and political activist, and Tzila Netanyahu, a judge. Netanyahu grew up in a politically active household and was exposed to the ideas of revisionist Zionism from an early age.

Netanyahu served in the Israel Defense Forces and fought in the Yom Kippur War of 1973. After his military service, he studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned a bachelor's degree in architecture and a master's degree in business administration.

Political Career

After returning to Israel, Netanyahu began his political career in the Likud party. He served as the party's spokesman and campaign manager before being elected to the Knesset in 1988. Netanyahu quickly rose through the ranks of the Likud party and became its leader in 1993.

Netanyahu served as prime minister of Israel for the first time from 1996 to 1999. During his first term, he oversaw the Oslo Accords peace process with the Palestinians. He also implemented economic reforms and privatized many state-owned businesses.

After losing the 1999 election, Netanyahu returned to the Knesset and served as opposition leader. He became prime minister again in 2009 and served until 2021. During his second term, Netanyahu focused on security issues and pursued a hardline stance against the Palestinians. He also developed a close relationship with the United States and President Donald Trump.

Netanyahu was elected prime minister for a third time in 2022. He formed a coalition government with several right-wing and religious parties. Netanyahu is currently serving as prime minister, and he is the longest-serving prime minister in Israeli history.