Benjamin Netanyahu is the longest-serving prime minister of Israel since its inception.
Born in Tel Aviv on October 21, 1949, he grew up in Jerusalem before moving with his family to Pennsylvania during his high school years, where his father taught history. In 1967 Netanyahu returned to Israel and joined the IDF's Sayeret Matkal special forces unit, where he served until 1973.
He took part in many military operations, including a 1972 rescue mission of hostages in a hijacked Sabena airplane, during which he was shot in the shoulder. Netanyahu finished his military service in 1972, but returned to serve in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, after which he was promoted to the rank of Captain.
His brother Yonatan "Yoni," an IDF officer, was killed during Operation Entebbe in 1976 at the Entebbe Airport in Uganda where Israelis were being held hostage. His was the only death resulting from the mission.
He has degrees in architecture and business management from MIT. He also studied political science at MIT and Harvard University. He served as Israel's ambassador to the UN from 1984-1988, and as Minister of Foreign Affairs under Ariel Sharon's government.
In 1993 Netanyahu was elected Likud party chairman and served as the leader of the opposition until being elected prime minister in 1996. In 2009, he was elected prime minister for the second time, in January 2013 a third, and in March 2015 a fourth.
He is married to Sara Netanyahu with whom he has two children, Yair and Avner.
In 2018, the Mossad stole Iran's nuclear archive. Netanyahu later presented the information to the international community. Netanyahu strongly opposes a nuclear deal with Iran.
Under the rotation government set by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, Netanyahu serves as the leader of the opposition.
Victory in Iran showed what can be achieved when Israel acts with vision, coordination, and courage.
MIDDLE ISRAEL: Yes, Netanyahu’s victory in Iran is remarkable; however, there is a whole fiasco that preceded it that cannot be erased.
"What you're doing here is unparalleled in the world,” Netanyahu said. “You're saving lives. That is the people of Israel and the State of Israel at their best"
Movers and shakers in Israeli society.
Wilders responded to Khamenei's celebratory post on winning the war on X saying, “You lost and went on your knees for Trump and Netanyahu you d***head.”
“I came here to say thank you on behalf of the people and the Government of Israel,” Netanyahu told the group’s directors, commanders, and volunteers.
Israel and America, and their two unflappable leaders, provided more than a peaceful night for Israelis. They presented a humbler Iran to the world.
Trump's comments sparked a public storm in Israel on Thursday, with Likud echoing the call. Other figures defended sovereign immunity, saying the US shouldn't interfere,
Regarding hostage negotiations, the Post reported that the idea of exiling senior Hamas officials and other terrorists from Gaza has recently resurfaced in discussions.
A speculative post-war briefing.
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