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 a prominent Israeli politician and diplomat. He currently serves as the Prime Minister of Israel, a position he assumed in 2022. Notably, he also held the same office from 1996 to 1999 and again from 2009 to 2021. His cumulative time in office makes him the longest-serving prime minister in Israeli history.
1967: Policy of "three no(s)"
Referencing the 1967 Khartoum conference, Netanyahu emphasized a policy of "three no(s)": no withdrawal from the Golan Heights, no discussion of the case of Jerusalem, no negotiations under any preconditions.
1976: Netanyahu works as an economic consultant for Boston Consulting Group
In 1976, while working as an economic consultant for Boston Consulting Group, Netanyahu examined governments in Europe and saw that they were stymied by concentrations of power that prevented competition. This experience shaped his views on the importance of private sector competition and economic reform.
1993: Opposition to the Oslo Accords in "A Place Among the Nations"
In 1993, Netanyahu expressed his opposition to the Oslo Accords in his book "A Place Among the Nations", dedicating a chapter titled "Trojan Horse" to argue against the Oslo peace process.
1995: Netanyahu argues for tightening immigration laws to combat terrorism
In his 1995 book Fighting Terrorism: How Democracies Can Defeat Domestic and International Terrorism, Netanyahu strongly argued that tightening immigration laws in the West is the most effective method to combat terrorism.
1995: Interim Agreement of 1995 detailed by Wye River Memorandum
The Wye River Memorandum signed in November 1998 detailed steps for the Israeli government and Palestinian Authority to implement the Interim Agreement of 1995.
May 1996: Netanyahu Won the 1996 Israeli legislative election
On May 29, 1996, Benjamin Netanyahu won the Israeli legislative election, becoming the youngest person in the history of the position and the first Israeli prime minister to be born in the State of Israel.
September 1996: Netanyahu meets Arafat
On 4 September 1996, Netanyahu met Palestinian President Arafat for the first time after speaking by telephone. During their first meeting, both leaders expressed a commitment to addressing the needs and security of both Israelis and Palestinians.
1996: Served as Prime Minister of Israel
Benjamin Netanyahu served as the Prime Minister of Israel from 1996 to 1999, marking one of his terms in office.
1996: Netanyahu became Prime Minister
In 1996, Benjamin Netanyahu won the general election and became the first Israeli prime minister elected directly by popular vote.
1996: Netanyahu's victory in the Israeli general election
In 1996, the bombing campaign by Deif and the failure of Israeli intelligence led to the defeat of Prime Minister Shimon Peres and the Israeli Labor Party. This resulted in the victory of Netanyahu's Likud party, which opposed the Oslo Accords.
January 1997: Signing of the Hebron Protocol
On 14 January 1997, Netanyahu and Arafat's talks culminated in the signing of the Hebron Protocol.
September 1997: Mossad operation to assassinate Khaled Mashal
In September 1997, Netanyahu authorized a Mossad operation to assassinate Hamas leader Khaled Mashal in Jordan. The attempt failed, leading to a diplomatic crisis with Jordan, ultimately requiring Netanyahu to release prisoners after pressure from US President Bill Clinton.
November 1998: Approval of the Wye River Memorandum
In November 1998, Netanyahu and PLO chairman Arafat signed the Wye River Memorandum, detailing steps for the Israeli government and Palestinian Authority to implement the Interim Agreement of 1995. On 17 November 1998, the Knesset approved the Wye River Memorandum with a vote of 75-19.
1998: Netanyahu as advocate of the free-market
By 1998, Netanyahu had acquired a reputation as "the advocate of the free-market".
1998: Call for Early Release of Jonathan Pollard
In 1998, Netanyahu raised the issue of Jonathan Pollard's release at the Wye River Summit, claiming that U.S. president Bill Clinton had privately agreed to release Pollard.
1999: Defeat in the Israeli prime ministerial election and temporary retirement from politics
After being defeated by Ehud Barak in the 1999 Israeli prime ministerial election, Netanyahu temporarily retired from politics.
1999: Netanyahu expresses his opinions on peace and free markets
In 1999, Netanyahu told the Jerusalem Post that peace is an end of itself and free markets without peace do produce growth.
2000: Expression of desire to return to politics
With the fall of the Barak government in late 2000, Netanyahu expressed his desire to return to politics. He decided not to run for the prime minister position, facilitating Ariel Sharon's rise to power.
2001: Unrecorded comments on Oslo peace process commitments
In 2001, Netanyahu, reportedly unaware he was being recorded, made comments regarding reneging on commitments made by previous Israeli governments as part of the Oslo peace process.
September 2002: Testimony regarding the alleged nuclear threat posed by the Iraqi régime
On 12 September 2002, Netanyahu lobbied for the invasion of Iraq, testifying under oath as a private citizen before the U.S. House of Representatives Government Reform Committee regarding the alleged nuclear threat posed by the Iraqi régime.
2002: Appointment as Foreign Minister and challenge for Likud leadership
In 2002, Ariel Sharon appointed Netanyahu as foreign minister after the Israeli Labor Party left the coalition. Netanyahu then challenged Sharon for the leadership of the Likud party in the 2002 Likud leadership election, but failed to oust him.
2002: Visit to Jonathan Pollard
In 2002, Netanyahu visited Jonathan Pollard at his North Carolina prison.
2003: Netanyahu introduces a major overhaul of the Israeli economy.
As Minister of Finance (2003–2005), Netanyahu introduced a major overhaul of the Israeli economy in 2003, including welfare to work programs, privatization, reducing the public sector size, streamlining the taxation system and passing laws against monopolies and cartels to increase competition.
2003: Appointment as Finance Minister
Following the 2003 Israeli legislative election, Sharon offered Netanyahu the Finance Ministry. Netanyahu accepted the new appointment.
2004: Threat to resign over Gaza pullout plan
In 2004, Netanyahu threatened to resign from office unless the Gaza pullout plan was put to a referendum. He later modified the ultimatum and voted for the program in the Knesset.
August 2005: Resignation over Gaza pullout plan
Netanyahu submitted his resignation letter on 7 August 2005, shortly before the Israeli cabinet voted 17 to 5 to approve the initial phase of withdrawal from Gaza.
September 2005: Attempt to hold early primaries for Likud leadership
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. The party rejected this initiative.
December 2005: Retaking the Likud leadership
Netanyahu retook the leadership of the Likud party on 20 December 2005, with 47% of the primary vote.
2005: Netanyahu credited with economic miracle.
By 2005, as the Israeli economy boomed and unemployment fell, Netanyahu was widely credited with performing an 'economic miracle'.
March 2006: Serving as Leader of the Opposition
In the March 2006 Knesset elections, Likud took the third place behind Kadima and Labor, and Netanyahu served as Leader of the Opposition.
March 2007: Netanyahu compares Iran to Nazi Germany in CNN interview
In a March 2007 CNN interview, Netanyahu compared the Islamic Republic of Iran to Nazi Germany, stating the key difference was that Germany sought atomic weapons after entering a global conflict, while Iran was seeking them first to start one.
August 2007: Reelection as chairman of the Likud
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 comparison of Iran to Nazi Germany.
In April 2008, Netanyahu repeated his remarks comparing Iran to Nazi Germany at a news conference.
January 2009: Continuation of settlement expansion policy
In January 2009, Netanyahu informed Middle East envoy Tony Blair that he would continue the policy of expanding West Bank settlements, in contravention of the Road Map, but would not build new ones.
February 2009: Candidacy for prime minister
Following Tzipi Livni's election to head Kadima and Olmert's resignation from the post of prime minister, Netanyahu declined to join the coalition Livni was trying to form and supported new elections, which were held in February 2009. Netanyahu was the Likud's candidate for prime minister in the 2009 Israeli legislative election which took place on 10 February 2009.
February 2009: Designation as prime minister
In the election itself, Likud won the second highest number of seats. On 20 February 2009, Netanyahu was designated by Israeli President Shimon Peres to succeed Ehud Olmert as prime minister, and began his negotiations to form a coalition government.
March 2009: Approval of the 32nd Government of Israel
On 31 March 2009, Netanyahu presented his cabinet for a Knesset "Vote of Confidence". The 32nd Government was approved that day by a majority of 69 lawmakers to 45, and the members were sworn in.
June 2009: Commitment to a two-state solution
In June 2009 Netanyahu committed to a two-state solution, after previously refusing to do so. He advocated for an "economic peace" approach based on economic cooperation rather than political issues. He raised these ideas during discussions with former U.S. secretary of state Condoleezza Rice.
June 2009: Netanyahu's Response to Obama's Cairo Speech
In June 2009, following President Obama's Cairo speech, Benjamin Netanyahu immediately convened a special government meeting. On June 14, 2009, Netanyahu gave a speech at Bar-Ilan University endorsing a "Demilitarized Palestinian State", outlining conditions including Jerusalem remaining Israel's united capital, no Palestinian army, and relinquishing the right of return. He also asserted the right to natural growth in existing Jewish settlements in the West Bank pending further negotiation.
July 2009: Netanyahu's Government Achievements and Approval
In July 2009, three months into his term, Netanyahu highlighted his cabinet's achievements, including establishing a national unity government and building a consensus for a two-state solution. A Ha'aretz survey in July 2009, showed most Israelis supported Netanyahu's government, with a personal approval rating around 49%. He also lifted West Bank checkpoints, boosting the economy and welcomed the Arab Peace Initiative.
August 2009: Promise not to repeat the 'mistake' of the Gaza pullout
On 9 August 2009, Netanyahu promised not to repeat the "mistake" of the Gaza pullout, stating that it brought neither peace nor security. He also stated that any peace agreement would require recognition of Israel and demilitarization of a future Palestinian state.
August 2009: Netanyahu's Stance on Israeli Recognition and Security
On August 9, 2009, Netanyahu stated that an agreement required recognition of Israel as the national state of the Jewish people and a security settlement. Also in August 2009, Mahmoud Abbas expressed willingness to meet Netanyahu at the UN General Assembly.
September 2009: Settlement Construction Compromise
In September 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. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs expressed "regret" over the move
September 2009: Netanyahu's UN General Assembly Address
On September 24, 2009, Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly in New York, asserting Iran's threat to world peace and the need to prevent its nuclear weapon acquisition. He responded to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's questioning of the Holocaust, invoking the memory of his family members murdered by the Nazis.
November 2009: Netanyahu's Partial Settlement Freeze Plan
On November 25, 2009, Netanyahu announced a partial 10-month settlement construction freeze in response to Obama administration pressure. While the US acknowledged its limitations, Palestinians rejected it as insignificant due to ongoing approved construction and lack of freeze in East Jerusalem.
2009: Condition for negotiations with Palestinians
In 2009, Netanyahu said that any furtherance of negotiations with the Palestinians would be conditioned on the Palestinians recognizing Israel as a Jewish state.
March 2010: Construction Approval in East Jerusalem
In March 2010, Israel's government approved construction of 1,600 apartments in Ramat Shlomo, a Jewish housing development in northern East Jerusalem, despite US opposition. Netanyahu defended the decision as consistent with past Israeli policies, asserting that the neighborhood had always been part of Israel in proposed final agreements.
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. 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 pushed forward the Business Concentration Law.
July 2011: Robert Gates' Criticism of Netanyahu
On retiring from office in July 2011, former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said that Netanyahu was ungrateful to the United States and endangering Israel. The Likud party defended Netanyahu, citing his broad support.
September 2011: Trajtenberg Committee Recommendations
In September 2011, the Trajtenberg Committee submitted recommendations to lower the high cost of living in Israel. Although Netanyahu promised to push the proposed reforms through the cabinet in one piece, differences inside his coalition resulted in the reforms being gradually adopted.
November 2011: U.S. State Department representative on US-Israel security cooperation.
According to a U.S. State Department representative in November 2011, under the leadership of Netanyahu and Obama, Israel and the United States have enjoyed unprecedented security cooperation.
May 2012: Recognition of Palestinian State
In May 2012, Netanyahu officially recognized the right for Palestinians to have their own state in an official document, a letter to Mahmoud Abbas, though he declared it would have to be demilitarized.
September 2012: Netanyahu sets "red line" for Iran's uranium enrichment at UN
On September 28, 2012, Netanyahu gave a speech to the UN General Assembly in which he set forward a "red line" of 90% uranium enrichment, stating that if Iran were to reach this level, it would become an intolerable risk for Israel. Netanyahu used a cartoon graphic of a bomb to illustrate his point.
October 2012: Merger of Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu
On October 25, 2012, Netanyahu and Avigdor Lieberman announced that their respective political parties, Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu, had merged and would run together on a single ballot in Israel's 22 January 2013 general elections.
November 2012: End of Ceasefire Agreement
In November 2012, the ceasefire agreement formally ended.
2012: Netanyahu warns against Iranian nuclear bomb at Holocaust Remembrance Day
Early in 2012, Netanyahu used the opening ceremony for Israel's Holocaust Remembrance Day to warn against the dangers of an Iranian nuclear bomb, leading to accusations of political use and manipulation of the Holocaust memory.
2012: Netanyahu and Barak consider military action against Iran
In 2012, Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak were reported to have formed a close, confidential relationship as they considered possible Israeli military action against Iran's nuclear facilities.
2012: Netanyahu supports the integration of the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem.
In 2012, Netanyahu expressed appreciation towards "the cooperative society that is working towards the inclusion of the Hebrew Israelite community in Israeli society at large," and declared that the experience of the community in the land of Israel is "an integral part of the Israeli experience."
January 2013: Likud Beiteinu election
In January 2013, Netanyahu's Likud Beiteinu parties run together in the general elections.
July 2013: Issuing of Tenders for Private Ports
In July 2013, Netanyahu issued tenders for the construction of private ports in Haifa and Ashdod to break the Israel Port Authority's monopoly, lower consumer prices, and increase exports.
August 2013: Ros-Lehtinen raises Wultz case with Israeli officials
In August 2013, Ros-Lehtinen, chair of the House Middle East and South Asia subcommittee, raised the issue of the Wultz family lawsuit with Israeli officials during a congressional delegation to Israel.
October 2013: Netanyahu comments on Iranian regime and nuclear weapons
In an October 2013 interview with BBC Persian Service, Netanyahu praised the history of Persia and said that if the Iranian regime has nuclear weapons, the Iranian people will never be free of dictatorship and will live in eternal servitude.
December 2013: Approval of Business Concentration Law
In December 2013, the Knesset approved the Business Concentration Law, intended to increase competition, lower prices, reduce inequality, and boost economic growth in Israel.
2013: Denial of peace talks based on the green line
In 2013, Netanyahu denied reports that his government would agree to peace talks based on the green line.
June 2014: Criticism of Palestinian Unity Government and Hamas
In June 2014, Netanyahu spoke of his deep concerns when Hamas and the Palestinian Authority formed a unity government, criticizing the United States and European governments' decision to work with the coalition. He blamed Hamas for the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers in June 2014 and launched a massive search and arrest operation on the West Bank.
2014: Agreement to American framework based on the green line
In 2014 Netanyahu agreed to the American framework based on the green line and said that Jewish settlers must be allowed the option of staying in their settlements under Palestinian rule.
2015: Netanyahu responds to Ethiopian Jewish protests
In 2015, after Ethiopian Jewish protests against police brutality, Netanyahu pledged to bring a comprehensive plan to assist the community and condemned racism and discrimination.
2015: Leaked cables reveal Mossad's assessment on Iran's nuclear program
In 2015, cables leaked that 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.
2017: Netanyahu calls for death penalty in stabbing attack
In 2017, Netanyahu called for the death penalty for the perpetrator of the 2017 Halamish stabbing attack.
January 2018: Israeli parliament votes in favor of death penalty bill
In January 2018, 52 of 120 members of the Israeli parliament voted in favor of a bill to make it easier for judges to hand down the death penalty for terrorism.
2019: Support for bolstering Hamas
In 2019, Netanyahu stated at a private Likud party meeting, "Anyone who wants to thwart the establishment of a Palestinian state has to support bolstering Hamas and transferring money to Hamas."
January 2020: Public support for Trump's peace plan
In January 2020, Netanyahu publicly supported Trump's Israeli-Palestinian peace plan.
September 2020: Signing of the Abraham Accords
In September 2020, the Abraham Accords were signed by Bahrain's foreign minister, UAE's foreign minister and Netanyahu at the White House in Washington, D.C., normalizing relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
2020: Netanyahu praises U.S. airstrike that killed Qasem Soleimani
In 2020, Netanyahu praised the U.S. military's Baghdad International Airport airstrike, which killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, saying that Trump had acted "swiftly, forcefully and decisively".
February 2023: Legalization of settler outposts
In February 2023, the new government under Netanyahu approved the legalization of nine settler outposts in the occupied West Bank. Israeli peace groups condemned the move as de jure annexation of the occupied territories.
March 2023: Repeal of 2005 law on settlements
In March 2023, Netanyahu's government repealed a 2005 law that had dismantled four Israeli settlements: Homesh, Sa-Nur, Ganim, and Kadim, as part of the Israeli disengagement from Gaza.
June 2023: Israel refuses to send lethal weapons to Ukraine
In June 2023, Netanyahu explained Israel's refusal to send lethal weapons to Ukraine, citing concerns that these systems could fall into Iranian hands and be reverse engineered, potentially leading to Israeli systems being used against Israel.
June 2023: Changes to settlement construction approval process
In June 2023, Netanyahu's coalition shortened the procedure for approving settlement construction and granted Finance Minister Smotrich the authority to approve one of the stages, altering a system that had been in place for 27 years.
September 2023: Continued support for Qatari transfers to Gaza
According to the New York Times, as late as September 2023, Netanyahu continued to back Qatari payments to Gaza in response to Qatari questions, despite the policy's controversial nature.
October 2023: Israel enters state of war against Hamas after major attack
On 7 October 2023, following a major surprise attack by Palestinian militants from Gaza, Netanyahu announced that Israel would enter a state of war against Hamas. He threatened severe retaliation, referred to Gaza as "the city of evil", and urged its residents to evacuate. He also proposed an emergency unity government.
November 2023: Rejection of ceasefire calls and warning to the world
In November 2023, Netanyahu rejected calls for a ceasefire in the war, warning that Israel would "stand firm against the world if necessary." He stated that the Israel Defense Forces would remain in Gaza "as long as necessary" and prevent the Palestinian Authority from returning to Gaza.
July 2024: Address to U.S. Congress and meeting with Donald Trump
In July 2024, Netanyahu addressed a joint session of the United States Congress amidst protests, seeking support for the Gaza war. He met with 2024 Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago and criticized Kamala Harris for vowing to speak about atrocities in Gaza.
November 2024: Firing of defense minister and ICC arrest warrants
In November 2024, Netanyahu fired defense minister Gallant, triggering protests throughout Israel. Later in November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, and Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif for alleged war crimes during the Gaza war, which Netanyahu described as "absurd and false lies" and "antisemitic".
March 2025: Attack on Gaza and Postponement of Corruption Trial
In March 2025, Israel launched a surprise attack on the Gaza Strip. As a result of the attacks, Netanyahu's corruption trial, scheduled for 18 March, was postponed. Additionally, in March 2025, Netanyahu fired Ronen Bar, chief of Shin Bet.
May 2025: Statement on destruction of homes in Gaza leading to forced emigration
In May 2025, Netanyahu stated that the destruction of homes in Gaza would lead to the forced emigration of Palestinians.
June 2025: Netanyahu authorizes airstrikes against Iran.
On 13 June 2025, Netanyahu authorized airstrikes against Iran, marking the beginning of the Iran–Israel war. Netanyahu stated the goal of the operation was to dismantle Iran's nuclear capabilities, which he described as a "clear and present danger to Israel's very survival.".
August 2025: Statement on 'historic and spiritual mission' and Greater Israel
In August 2025, Netanyahu stated in an interview with i24NEWS that he was on a "historic and spiritual mission" and that he is "very" attached to the vision of Greater Israel, which includes the Palestinian territories.
September 2025: Rejection of Palestinian state west of the Jordan River
On 21 September 2025, Netanyahu rejected the existence of a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River, stating he has prevented its establishment despite pressure.
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