Benjamin Netanyahu

ABOUT

Benjamin Netanyahu, born on October 21, 1949, is an Israeli politician who has had a significant and enduring influence on Israeli politics. He is the longest-serving Prime Minister in Israeli history, having held the position in multiple terms from 1996 to 1999 and again from 2009 to 2021. Netanyahu is the Chairman of the Likud party, and his tenure has seen significant developments in Israel's national security, economy, and international relations.

Netanyahu is known for his firm stance on security issues and his efforts to enhance Israel's relationships globally, particularly with the United States. His political career has been marked by both staunch advocacy for Israel's security and controversies, including legal challenges and allegations of corruption.

BEFORE FAME

Benjamin Netanyahu was born in Tel Aviv but spent part of his younger years in the United States, where his father, Benzion Netanyahu, a notable historian, worked as a professor. Netanyahu exhibited early academic prowess and later attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Architecture and a Master's degree from the MIT Sloan School of Management. His time in the U.S. also included business consultancy roles and involvement in anti-terrorism initiatives.

Netanyahu's military service is a cornerstone of his early life, having served as a captain in the elite Sayeret Matkal commando unit of the Israel Defense Forces. He participated in several high-profile operations and was wounded during a mission to rescue hijacked hostages aboard Sabena Flight 571.

TRIVIA

• Netanyahu is referred to by his nickname "Bibi" by both colleagues and the Israeli public.
• He is fluent in both Hebrew and English, often addressing international audiences and media with ease.
• Netanyahu authored several books, predominantly focusing on terrorism and politics, which have contributed to his reputation as a leading figure in discussions on national security.
• He has faced multiple investigations and charges of corruption, including cases dating back to the 1990s, though as of 2021, any final legal outcomes remained unsettled.

FAMILY LIFE

Benjamin Netanyahu's family is integrally connected to both his personal life and broader historical narratives. He comes from a family with prominent academic and political connections. His father, Benzion Netanyahu, was a professor specializing in Jewish history.

Netanyahu has been married three times. His first marriage was to Miriam Weizmann, a marriage that ended in divorce. He later married Fleur Cates, a British-born convert to Judaism; this marriage also ended in divorce. Finally, he married his current wife, Sara Ben-Artzi, who is a psychologist. The couple has two sons, Yair and Avner.

Netanyahu's brother, Yonathan (Yoni) Netanyahu, is a national hero in Israel. Yoni was killed in action during Operation Entebbe, an event that marked a critical point for Netanyahu, deepening his resolve in defense and security matters.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Throughout his extensive political career, Benjamin Netanyahu has worked with and against a variety of international leaders. His working relationship with multiple U.S. presidents, notably Barack Obama and Donald Trump, has shaped U.S.-Israel relations. His tenure saw the moving of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem in 2018 during Trump's administration.

Netanyahu has also associated with global leaders to forge peace agreements and alliances in the Middle East, contributing to the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations including the UAE and Bahrain. However, his strategies and policies, particularly concerning the Palestinian territories, have been a point of contention with various international actors.

In summary, Benjamin Netanyahu stands as a polarizing yet pivotal figure in modern Israeli politics, leveraging considerable influence on both national and global stages. His legacy is a tapestry of military valor, political strategizing, and controversial legal battles.