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Benjamin Netanyahu's Political Journey: A Timeline

Early Career and Rise to Prominence

Benjamin Netanyahu, born Benjamin Nitay on October 21, 1949, began his political career in the 1970s. He rose to prominence after his election as chair of the Likud party in 1993, making him the Leader of the Opposition. In the 1996 election, Netanyahu made history by becoming the first directly elected Prime Minister of Israel.

First Term as Prime Minister (1996-1999)

Netanyahu's first term as Prime Minister was marked by a focus on security and economic issues. He entered into negotiations with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and oversaw a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from the West Bank. However, his decision to build settlements in Palestinian areas drew criticism, and his government faced allegations of corruption.

Second Term as Prime Minister (2009-2021)

After a gap of a decade, Netanyahu returned to the premiership in 2009. During this second term, he pursued a more conservative agenda, including further expansion of settlements and a hard-line stance towards Palestinian statehood. Netanyahu also faced international pressure over his handling of the Iranian nuclear program and his close alliance with the Trump administration.