Career Timeline of Benjamin Netanyahu: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Benjamin Netanyahu made an impact.

Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu is an Israeli politician and diplomat currently serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2022. He previously held the same office from 1996-1999 and 2009-2021. He is Israel's longest-serving prime minister.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1976: Economic Consult for Boston Consulting Group

In 1976, while working as an economic consultant for Boston Consulting Group, Netanyahu observed European governments being hampered by concentrations of power, influencing his views on the importance of private sector competition.

1995: Publication of Fighting Terrorism Book

In his 1995 book "Fighting Terrorism: How Democracies Can Defeat Domestic and International Terrorism", Netanyahu argued that tightening immigration laws is the most effective method to combat terrorism.

Fighting Terrorism: How Democracies Can Defeat Domestic and International Terrorists

Check it on Amazon

September 1996: Netanyahu meets Arafat for the first time

On 4 September 1996, Netanyahu met Palestinian President Arafat for the first time after a telephone conversation. Netanyahu emphasized the need to consider the needs of both sides, while Arafat expressed determination to work with Netanyahu's government.

1996: Became First Directly-Elected Prime Minister

In 1996, Benjamin Netanyahu became the first Israeli prime minister elected directly by popular vote.

1996: Netanyahu's Victory in the 1996 Election

In 1996, the failure to prevent Deif's bombing campaign was considered a factor that led to the defeat of Prime Minister Shimon Peres and the Israeli Labor Party in the 1996 Israeli general election, resulting in the victory of Netanyahu's Likud party.

January 1997: Signing of the Hebron Protocol

In January 1997, specifically on the 14th, talks between Netanyahu and Arafat culminated in the signing of the Hebron Protocol.

November 1998: Approval of the Wye River Memorandum

In November 1998, specifically on the 17th, Israel's Knesset approved the Wye River Memorandum by a vote of 75-19. The Wye River Memorandum detailed the steps to be taken by the Israeli government and Palestinian Authority to implement the earlier Interim Agreement of 1995.

1998: Netanyahu as "the advocate of the free-market"

By 1998, Netanyahu had gained a reputation as "the advocate of the free-market".

1999: Netanyahu retires from politics after election defeat.

After being defeated by Ehud Barak in the 1999 Israeli prime ministerial election, Netanyahu temporarily retired from politics.

1999: Netanyahu on Peace and Free Markets

In 1999, Netanyahu told the Jerusalem Post that peace is an end in itself, but without free markets, it will not produce growth, whereas free markets without peace do produce growth.

2000: Netanyahu expresses desire to return to politics.

With the fall of the Barak government in late 2000, Netanyahu expressed his desire to return to politics.

2002: Netanyahu appointed as Foreign Minister.

In 2002, after the Israeli Labor Party left the coalition, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon appointed Netanyahu as foreign minister.

2003: Netanyahu appointed as Finance Minister

Following the 2003 Israeli legislative election, Sharon offered Netanyahu the Finance Ministry.

2003: Netanyahu as Minister of Finance

In 2003, as Minister of Finance, Netanyahu introduced a significant overhaul of the Israeli economy.

2004: Netanyahu threatens to resign from office.

Netanyahu threatened to resign from office in 2004 unless the Gaza pullout plan was put to a referendum.

August 2005: Netanyahu Resigns as Finance Minister

In August 2005, specifically on the 7th, Netanyahu submitted his resignation letter as Finance Minister, shortly before the Israeli cabinet voted to approve the initial phase of withdrawal from Gaza.

September 2005: Netanyahu tried to hold early primaries

In September 2005 Netanyahu tried to hold early primaries for the position of the head of the Likud party, while the party held the office of prime minister, effectively pushing Ariel Sharon out of office, but the party rejected this initiative.

December 2005: Netanyahu Retakes Likud Leadership

On 20 December 2005, Netanyahu retook the leadership of the Likud party with 47% of the primary vote.

2005: End of Tenure as Minister of Finance

By the end of his tenure as Minister of Finance in 2005, Netanyahu was credited with an 'economic miracle', with direct investment in the Israeli economy increasing significantly.

March 2006: Likud Takes Third Place in Knesset Elections

In March 2006 Knesset elections, Likud took the third place behind Kadima and Labor and Netanyahu served as Leader of the Opposition.

March 2007: Comparison of Nazi Germany and Iran

In March 2007, during a CNN interview, Netanyahu stated that the only difference between Nazi Germany and the Islamic Republic of Iran is that Germany first entered a worldwide conflict and then sought atomic weapons, while Iran is seeking atomic weapons first and will then start a world war.

August 2007: Netanyahu Reelected as Likud Chairman

On 14 August 2007, Netanyahu was reelected as chairman of the Likud and its candidate for the post of prime minister with 73% of the vote.

April 2008: Netanyahu Repeats Remarks Comparing Iran to Nazi Germany

In April 2008, Netanyahu repeated his remarks comparing Iran to Nazi Germany at a news conference, stating that Iran is racing to arm itself with atomic bombs.

February 2009: Netanyahu on Iran as Prime Minister

In February 2009, after being asked to be the prime minister of Israel, Netanyahu described Iran as the greatest threat that Israel has ever faced, seeking a nuclear weapon.

February 2009: Netanyahu Declines to Join Livni's Coalition, Supports New Elections

In February 2009, following Tzipi Livni's election to head Kadima and Olmert's resignation, Netanyahu declined to join the coalition Livni was trying to form and supported new elections.

March 2009: Netanyahu Presents Cabinet, Forms Government

In March 2009, specifically on the 31st, Netanyahu presented his cabinet for a Knesset "Vote of Confidence", forming the 32nd Government which was approved by a majority of 69 lawmakers to 45.

June 2009: Endorsement of "Demilitarized Palestinian State"

In June 2009, following Obama's Cairo speech, Netanyahu called a special government meeting and gave a speech at Bar-Ilan University. In the speech on June 14, Netanyahu endorsed the idea of a "Demilitarized Palestinian State," stating he would accept a Palestinian state if Jerusalem remained the united capital of Israel, the Palestinians had no army, and they relinquished their demand for a right of return. He also argued for "natural growth" in existing Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

July 2009: Government Successes and Approval Rating

In July 2009, three months after starting his term, Netanyahu highlighted his cabinet's achievements, including establishing a national unity government and a broad consensus for a "two-state solution." A Ha'aretz survey in July 2009 showed most Israelis supported his government, giving him a 49 percent approval rating. He also lifted checkpoints in the West Bank, boosting its economy. Netanyahu welcomed the Arab Peace Initiative and lauded Bahrain's Crown Prince's call to normalize relations with Israel.

August 2009: Call for Recognition of Israel and a Security Settlement

On August 9, 2009, Netanyahu stated the need for the recognition of Israel as the national state of the Jewish people and a security settlement. Later in August 2009, Mahmoud Abbas expressed willingness to meet with Netanyahu at the UN General Assembly for a "triple summit" initiated by President Obama.

September 2009: Compromise over West Bank Construction

In early September 2009, Netanyahu was reportedly in a pivotal moment over understandings that included a compromise over construction in the West Bank. On September 4, 2009, it was reported that Netanyahu was to agree to settlers' political demands to approve more settlement constructions before a temporary settlement freeze agreement took place. The White House expressed "regret" over the move.

September 2009: UN General Assembly Address on Iran

On September 24, 2009, Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly in New York, stating Iran poses a threat to world peace and must be prevented from obtaining nuclear weapons. He also responded to Iranian President Ahmadinejad's questioning of the Holocaust, invoking the memory of his family members murdered by the Nazis.

September 2009: Netanyahu's Speech at UN General Assembly

On September 24, 2009, Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly, stating that Iran's regime is motivated by fanaticism and poses a threat to civilization, contrasting with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's speech.

September 2009: Secret Flight to Moscow

On September 7, 2009, Netanyahu left his office without disclosing his destination. On September 9, 2009, reports emerged that he had made a secret flight to Moscow to persuade Russian officials not to sell S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems to Iran, leading to criticism and the reported dismissal of his military secretary. The Sunday Times reported that the trip was to share names of Russian scientists believed to be assisting Iran's nuclear weapons program.

November 2009: Partial Settlement Construction Freeze Plan

On November 25, 2009, Netanyahu announced a partial 10-month settlement construction freeze plan in response to pressure from the Obama administration. The partial freeze had little effect on actual construction. While the U.S. acknowledged its limitations, Netanyahu called it "a painful step" and urged the Palestinians to respond. The Palestinians rejected the call, deeming it "insignificant" due to continued construction in the West Bank and no freeze in East Jerusalem.

March 2010: Approval of Construction in East Jerusalem

In March 2010, the Israeli government approved the construction of 1,600 apartments in Ramat Shlomo, a Jewish housing development in northern East Jerusalem. This occurred during a visit by U.S. Vice-president Joe Biden, prompting a strong condemnation from the U.S. government. Netanyahu defended the decision, stating it aligned with the continuous policies of previous Israeli governments and considered the area part of Israel in any proposed final agreement plan. He regretted the timing of the announcement.

September 2010: Agreement to Direct Talks with Palestinians

In September 2010, Netanyahu agreed to enter direct talks with the Palestinians, mediated by the Obama administration, aiming for a "final status settlement" to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. On September 27, 2010, the 10-month settlement freeze ended, and the Israeli government approved new construction in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

2010: Formation of the Concentration Committee

In 2010, Netanyahu formed the Concentration Committee, which's recommendations resulted in the Business Concentration Law, aiming to open Israel's concentrated economy to competition, lowering consumer prices, reducing income inequality, and increasing economic growth.

July 2011: Robert Gates' Criticism and Likud's Defense

Upon retiring in July 2011, former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates criticized Netanyahu for being ungrateful to the United States and endangering Israel. In response, the Likud party defended Netanyahu, citing his broad support in Israel and the United States.

September 2011: Trajtenberg Committee Recommendations

In September 2011, the Trajtenberg Committee, appointed by Netanyahu and headed by professor Manuel Trajtenberg, submitted recommendations to lower the high cost of living in Israel, following social justice protests across the country. While Netanyahu promised to implement the reforms in one piece, differences within his coalition led to a gradual adoption.

November 2011: Security Cooperation with the U.S.

According to a U.S. State Department representative, in November 2011, under the leadership of Netanyahu and Obama, Israel and the United States enjoyed unprecedented security cooperation.

2011: Prisoner Swap for Gilad Shalit

In 2011, Netanyahu arranged for 1000 Hamas and Fatah prisoners to be swapped for Gilad Shalit, including terrorists with "blood on their hands".

May 2012: Recognition of Palestinian Right to a State

In May 2012, Netanyahu officially recognized the right for Palestinians to have their own state in an official document. This was articulated in a letter to Mahmoud Abbas, although he stipulated it would have to be demilitarized.

September 2012: Netanyahu's Speech to UN General Assembly

On September 28, 2012, Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly, setting a "red line" of 90% uranium enrichment for Iran, using a cartoon graphic of a bomb to illustrate the perceived threat.

October 2012: Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu Merger

On October 25, 2012, Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman announced that their political parties, Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu, had merged and would run together on a single ballot in the January 2013 general elections.

November 2012: End of Ceasefire Agreement

In November 2012, the ceasefire agreement formally ended.

January 2013: Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu run on a single ballot

Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman parties Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu, ran together on a single ballot in Israel's January 22, 2013 general elections.

July 2013: Issuance of Tenders for Private Ports

In July 2013, Netanyahu issued tenders for the construction of private ports in Haifa and Ashdod. This initiative was part of his campaign to break the monopoly held by workers of the Israel Port Authority, with the aim of lowering consumer prices and increasing exports.

October 2013: Interview with BBC Persian Service

In an October 2013 interview with BBC Persian Service, Netanyahu praised the history of Persia and warned that if the Iranian regime has nuclear weapons, the Iranian people will never be free.

December 2013: Approval of the Business Concentration Law

In December 2013, the Knesset approved the Business Concentration Law, aimed at opening Israel's concentrated economy to competition, lowering consumer prices, reducing income inequality, and increasing economic growth. Netanyahu's government pushed forward this bill to implement the recommendations of the Concentration Committee.

June 2014: Concerns over Hamas-PA Unity Government and Kidnapping

In June 2014, Netanyahu expressed concerns over the Hamas and Palestinian Authority unity government and criticized the US and European governments' decision to work with the coalition. He blamed Hamas for the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers in June 2014, launching a massive search and arrest operation in the West Bank and hitting 60 targets in Gaza.

October 2014: Government Approves Privatization Plan and Criticism of Settlements

In October 2014, Netanyahu's government approved a privatization plan to reduce corruption and politicization in government companies. Also in October 2014, Netanyahu criticized settlements and said that he does not accept residency restrictions for Jews, which earned him rebuke from the White House.

December 2014: Netanyahu Fires Ministers, Dissolves Government

On December 2, 2014, Netanyahu fired ministers Yair Lapid and Tzipi Livni. This led to the dissolution of the government and the scheduling of new elections.

March 2015: Address to United States Congress

In March 2015, Benjamin Netanyahu delivered his third speech to a joint session of the United States Congress, amidst controversy and objections from U.S. Jewish communities and the Obama administration.

March 2015: New Elections Scheduled

In March 2015, new elections were held following the dissolution of the government after Netanyahu fired ministers Yair Lapid and Tzipi Livni in December 2014.

May 2015: Returns as Prime Minister After Election

In May 2015, following the election, Netanyahu returned as prime minister, with his party Likud leading with 30 mandates. He formed a coalition government just before the deadline after being granted an extension by President Rivlin.

August 2015: Government Approves Two-Year Budget

In August 2015, Netanyahu's government approved a two-year budget aimed at agricultural reforms, lowering import duties, deregulating construction approval, and reforming the financial sector. However, compromises were made by removing some key agricultural reforms.

2015: Mossad Assessment Leaked

According to cables leaked in 2015, Mossad's assessment at the time of Netanyahu's 2012 UN speech was that Iran did not appear ready to enrich uranium to levels required for a nuclear bomb.

2015: Statements on Palestinian State

In 2015, as election day approached, Netanyahu stated that a Palestinian state would not be established during his term, citing concerns about yielding territory to radical Islamic terrorists. However, he also reiterated his desire for a peaceful, sustainable two-state solution.

2015: Response to Ethiopian Jewish Protests

In 2015, following Ethiopian Jewish protests against police brutality, Netanyahu pledged to bring a comprehensive plan to the government to address the community's concerns and combat racism and discrimination.

December 2016: U.S. Abstains from UN Security Council Resolution 2334

On December 23, 2016, the United States, under the Obama Administration, abstained from United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, effectively allowing it to pass, which led to criticism from Netanyahu.

2016: Closeness to Donald Trump

From 2016, Benjamin Netanyahu made his closeness to Donald Trump central to his political appeal.

January 2017: Government Withdraws Dues from UN

In January 2017, the Israeli government withdrew its annual dues from the United Nations, totaling $6 million USD, in response to UN Resolution 2334 and criticism from U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in December 2016.

February 2017: First Serving Prime Minister to Visit Australia

In February 2017, Netanyahu became the first serving prime minister of Israel to visit Australia, accompanied by his wife and a business delegation. During the three-day visit, bilateral agreements were scheduled to be signed with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

October 2017: Government Announces Leaving UNESCO

In October 2017, Netanyahu's government announced it was leaving UNESCO due to perceived anti-Israel actions by the agency, following a similar announcement by the US. The decision was made official in December 2017.

December 2017: Israel Officially Notifies UNESCO of Withdrawal

In late December 2017, the Israeli government officially notified UNESCO of its withdrawal from the organization, following its announcement in October 2017 due to perceived anti-Israel actions.

2017: Call for Death Penalty for Halamish Attacker

In 2017, Netanyahu called for the death penalty for the perpetrator of the 2017 Halamish stabbing attack, leading to a bill being introduced to the Knesset.

January 2018: Preliminary Vote on Death Penalty Bill

In January 2018, a preliminary vote in the Israeli parliament favored a bill that would allow the death penalty for terrorism.

April 2018: Accusations Against Iran Regarding Nuclear Deal

In April 2018, Netanyahu accused Iran of not holding up its end of the Iran nuclear deal, presenting a cache of documents detailing Iran's nuclear program. Iran denounced this presentation as "propaganda".

July 2018: Knesset Passes the Nation-State Bill

In July 2018, the Knesset passed the Nation-State Bill, a Basic Law supported by Netanyahu's coalition government. Analysts viewed this bill as an indication of Netanyahu's coalition advancing a right-wing agenda.

2018: Praises North Korea-United States Summit

In 2018, Netanyahu praised the 2018 North Korea–United States summit, commending US President Donald Trump for the effort to rid the Korean peninsula of nuclear weapons.

April 2019: Brokered Deal Uniting Jewish Home and Otzma Yehudit

Prior to the April 2019 Israeli legislative election, Netanyahu helped broker a deal uniting the Jewish Home party with the far-right Otzma Yehudit party. This deal was criticized due to Otzma's extremist and racist views.

May 2020: Sworn in for Fifth Term Amid Protests

On May 17, 2020, Netanyahu was sworn in for a fifth term as prime minister in a coalition with Benny Gantz. Protests broke out against him, which he attempted to disperse using COVID-19 regulations, but this only led to larger and more widespread demonstrations.

September 2020: Signing of the Abraham Accords

On 15 September 2020, Netanyahu, along with Bahrain's foreign minister and the UAE's foreign minister, signed the Abraham Accords at the White House in Washington, D.C., marking the full normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

October 2020: Sudan to Normalize Ties with Israel

On 23 October 2020, U.S. president Trump announced that Sudan would start to normalize ties with Israel as part of the Abraham Accords. Netanyahu thanked Trump and his team for changing history.

2020: Praise of U.S. Airstrike Killing Soleimani

In 2020, Netanyahu praised the U.S. military's Baghdad International Airport airstrike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, stating that Trump acted "swiftly, forcefully and decisively".

March 2021: Israel Achieves Highest Vaccination Rate

By March 2021, under Netanyahu's leadership, Israel became the country with the highest vaccinated population per capita in the world against COVID-19.

May 2021: Operation Guardian of the Walls Initiated

In May 2021, after tensions escalated in Jerusalem, Hamas fired rockets on Israel from Gaza, which prompted Netanyahu to initiate Operation Guardian of the Walls, lasting eleven days.

June 2021: Removed from Premiership

In June 2021, Benjamin Netanyahu was removed from the position of Prime Minister of Israel.

June 2021: Ousted as Prime Minister

On June 13, 2021, Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid formed a coalition government, leading to Netanyahu being ousted as prime minister and ending his 12-year tenure.

December 2022: Sworn in as Prime Minister Again

After the 2022 election, Netanyahu was sworn in as prime minister again on December 29, 2022, leading a hardline coalition for his sixth term.

2022: Led Opposition into 2022 Election

Following the end of his second premiership, Netanyahu led the opposition into the 2022 Israeli legislative election, with Likud remaining the largest party in the Knesset.

2022: Became Prime Minister of Israel

In 2022, Benjamin Netanyahu became the Prime Minister of Israel again after previously holding the office.

June 2025: Authorization of Airstrikes Against Iran

On 13 June 2025, Netanyahu authorized airstrikes against Iran, marking the beginning of the Iran–Israel war, with the stated goal of dismantling Iran's nuclear capabilities.