Career Timeline of Benjamin Netanyahu: Major Achievements and Milestones

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Benjamin Netanyahu

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, marking a significant impact on the nation's political landscape.

1967: Returned to Israel to Join the Israel Defense Forces

In 1967, Netanyahu returned to Israel to join the Israel Defense Forces and served in the Sayeret Matkal special forces unit.

1967: Reference to the 1967 Khartoum conference

In November 1998, Netanyahu referenced the 1967 Khartoum conference, emphasizing a policy of "three no(s)": no withdrawal from the Golan Heights, no discussion of the case of Jerusalem, no negotiations under any preconditions.

March 1968: Participated in the Battle of Karameh

In March 1968, Netanyahu took part in the Battle of Karameh during the War of Attrition.

May 1972: Rescued Sabena Flight 571

In May 1972, Netanyahu was involved in the rescue of the hijacked Sabena Flight 571, during which he was shot in the shoulder.

1972: Returned to the US

In 1972, Netanyahu returned to the US and started graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He then worked for the Boston Consulting Group.

October 1973: Served in the Yom Kippur War

In October 1973, Netanyahu returned to Israel to serve in the Yom Kippur War.

1976: Worked for the Boston Consulting Group

Between 1976 and 1978, Netanyahu worked as an economic consultant for the Boston Consulting Group in Boston, Massachusetts.

1976: Netanyahu's Views on Government Power

In 1976, while working for Boston Consulting Group, Netanyahu observed European governments stymied by concentrations of power, which shaped his views on the importance of private sector competition.

1978: Appeared on Boston local television

In 1978, Netanyahu appeared on Boston local television, under the name "Ben Nitay", to discuss the Arab-Israeli conflict.

1978: Founded the Yonatan Netanyahu Anti-Terror Institute

In 1978, Netanyahu moved back to Israel and founded the Yonatan Netanyahu Anti-Terror Institute.

1978: Returned to Israel

In 1978, Netanyahu returned to Israel and began running the Jonathan Netanyahu Anti-Terror Institute.

1980: Director of marketing for Rim Industries

From 1980 to 1982, Netanyahu was director of marketing for Rim Industries in Jerusalem.

1982: Deputy Chief of Mission at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C.

In 1982, Moshe Arens appointed Netanyahu as his Deputy Chief of Mission at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C.

1984: Israeli ambassador to the United Nations

From 1984 to 1988, Netanyahu served as the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations.

1988: Joined the Likud party

Prior to the 1988 Israeli legislative election, Netanyahu returned to Israel and joined the Likud party.

1991: Principal spokesman for Israel

During the Gulf War in early 1991, Netanyahu emerged as the principal spokesman for Israel in media interviews.

1992: Likud party defeat

Following the defeat of the Likud party in the 1992 Israeli legislative elections.

1993: Elected chair of Likud

In 1993, Netanyahu rose to prominence after being elected as chair of Likud, becoming leader of the opposition.

1993: Victory in Likud party election

In 1993, the Likud party held a party leadership election, and Netanyahu was victorious, defeating Benny Begin and David Levy.

1995: Interim Agreement of 1995

In 1995, the Interim Agreement was reached, which the Wye River Memorandum sought to implement in November 1998.

1995: Netanyahu's Book on Fighting Terrorism

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

Fighting Terrorism: How Democracies Can Defeat Domestic and International Terrorists
Fighting Terrorism: How Democracies Can Defeat Domestic and International Terrorists

May 1996: Won the election

Netanyahu won the 1996 election on 29 May 1996, becoming the youngest person in the history of the position.

September 1996: Netanyahu Meets with Arafat in September 1996

On September 4, 1996, Netanyahu first met with Palestinian President Arafat after a phone conversation. The two leaders continued to meet through the autumn of 1996. During their first meeting, Netanyahu emphasized the need to consider the needs of both sides, ensuring the security and well-being of both Israelis and Palestinians. Arafat expressed his determination to work with Netanyahu and his government.

1996: Netanyahu's Victory in the 1996 Israeli General Election

In 1996, Deif's bombing campaign and perceived failures of Israeli intelligence contributed to the defeat of Prime Minister Shimon Peres and the Labor Party in the Israeli general election. This led to the victory of Netanyahu's Likud party, which opposed the Oslo Accords. After the 1996 election, attacks ceased for almost a year.

1996: Became Prime Minister of Israel

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

January 1997: Signing of the Hebron Protocol in January 1997

On January 14, 1997, Netanyahu and Arafat's talks culminated in the signing of the Hebron Protocol, marking a key development in their ongoing negotiations.

November 1998: Approval of the Wye River Memorandum in November 1998

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 1995 Interim Agreement. On November 17, 1998, the Knesset approved the Wye River Memorandum by a vote of 75–19. 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, referencing the 1967 Khartoum conference.

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

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

1999: Temporary Retirement from Politics in 1999

After being defeated by Ehud Barak in the 1999 Israeli prime ministerial election, Netanyahu temporarily retired from politics. He subsequently served as a senior consultant with Israeli communications equipment manufacturer BATM Advanced Communications for two years.

1999: Corruption Scandal and Defeat in 1999 Election

In 1999, Netanyahu faced another corruption scandal when the Israel Police recommended he be tried for corruption for $100,000 in free services from a government contractor. Israel's attorney general did not prosecute, citing difficulties with evidence. Major Israeli failures against Hamas and Hezbollah and subsequent releases of imprisoned leaders are thought to have contributed to his defeat in the 1999 Israeli general election.

1999: Netanyahu on Peace and Free Markets

In 1999, Netanyahu told the Jerusalem Post that peace without free markets would not produce growth, but free markets without peace do produce growth.

1999: Defeated in election

In 1999, Netanyahu was defeated in the election and entered the private sector.

2000: Desire to Return to Politics in Late 2000

With the fall of the Barak government in late 2000, Netanyahu expressed his desire to return to politics. He insisted that general elections should be held, claiming that otherwise it would be impossible to have a stable government. Netanyahu decided eventually not to run for the prime minister position, a move which facilitated the rise to power of Ariel Sharon.

September 2002: Netanyahu Lobbies for Invasion of Iraq in September 2002

On September 12, 2002, Netanyahu lobbied for the invasion of Iraq, testifying under oath before the U.S. House of Representatives Government Reform Committee regarding the alleged nuclear threat posed by the Iraqi régime. He stated that Saddam was seeking to develop nuclear weapons and guaranteed that removing Saddam's regime would have positive reverberations on the region.

2002: Appointment as Foreign Minister in 2002

In 2002, after the Israeli Labor Party left the coalition and vacated the position of foreign minister, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon appointed Netanyahu as foreign minister. Netanyahu challenged Sharon for the leadership of the Likud party in the 2002 Likud leadership election, but failed to oust him.

2003: Appointment as Finance Minister in 2003

After the 2003 Israeli legislative election, Sharon offered Netanyahu the Finance Ministry. It was speculated that Sharon made the move to diminish Netanyahu's popularity. Netanyahu accepted the appointment, agreeing to remain silent on Sharon's management of military and foreign affairs in exchange for complete freedom as finance minister and Sharon's backing of his reforms.

2003: Netanyahu Becomes Minister of Finance

In 2003, as Minister of Finance, Netanyahu introduced a major overhaul of the Israeli economy, including welfare-to-work programs, privatization, and tax reforms.

August 2005: Resignation over Gaza Withdrawal in August 2005

On August 7, 2005, Netanyahu submitted his resignation letter shortly before the Israeli cabinet voted to approve the initial phase of withdrawal from Gaza.

September 2005: Attempt to Hold Early Primaries in September 2005

In September 2005, Netanyahu tried to hold early primaries for the position of head of the Likud party, while the party held the office of prime minister. The party rejected this initiative.

December 2005: Retaking Likud Leadership in December 2005

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

2005: Netanyahu's Economic Policies Credited with 'Economic Miracle'

By 2005, commentators widely credited Netanyahu with an 'economic miracle' due to the booming Israeli economy and reduced unemployment.

2005: Returned to lead Likud

In 2005, Netanyahu returned to lead the Likud party.

March 2006: Likud Takes Third Place in March 2006 Knesset Elections

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

2006: Led the opposition

Between 2006 and 2009, Netanyahu led the opposition.

August 2007: Reelection as Chairman of Likud in August 2007

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

February 2009: Decline to Join Coalition and Support for 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, which were held in February 2009. Netanyahu was the Likud's candidate for prime minister in the 2009 Israeli legislative election.

February 2009: Netanyahu on Iran as Greatest Threat to Israel

In February 2009, after being asked to be the prime minister of Israel, Netanyahu described Iran as the greatest threat to Israel since the war of independence, citing its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

February 2009: Designation as Prime Minister in February 2009

In the February 2009 election, Likud won the second highest number of seats. Netanyahu claimed victory and on February 20, 2009, was designated by Israeli President Shimon Peres to succeed Ehud Olmert as prime minister, beginning negotiations to form a coalition government.

March 2009: Formation of Government

In March 2009, despite a right-wing majority in the Knesset, Netanyahu sought a centrist coalition. After Tzipi Livni declined due to peace process disagreements, Ehud Barak's Labor Party joined, lending a centrist tone. On March 31, 2009, Netanyahu's government was approved by a 69-45 vote and sworn in.

June 2009: Netanyahu Advocated "Economic Peace" Approach

In June 2009, Netanyahu refused to commit to the same two-state solution and advocated for an "economic peace" approach, based on economic cooperation and joint effort rather than political contention.

June 2009: Obama's Cairo Speech and Netanyahu's Response

In June 2009, following President Obama's Cairo speech where he opposed continued Israeli settlements, Netanyahu held a special government meeting. On June 14, 2009, Netanyahu gave a speech at Bar-Ilan University endorsing a "Demilitarized Palestinian State" under certain conditions, including Jerusalem as Israel's united capital and no Palestinian army.

July 2009: Government Successes and Public Approval

In July 2009, three months into his term, Netanyahu highlighted his government's successes, including national unity and consensus on a "two-state solution." A Ha'aretz survey in July 2009 showed high approval, and Netanyahu lifted West Bank checkpoints, boosting the economy. He also welcomed the Arab Peace Initiative.

August 2009: Demand for Recognition of Israel

On August 9, 2009, Netanyahu stated the need for recognition of Israel as the national state of the Jewish people as a factor for agreement. In August 2009, Mahmoud Abbas expressed willingness to meet Netanyahu at the UN General Assembly.

September 2009: Settlement Construction Compromise

In September 2009, Netanyahu reportedly considered a compromise involving continued construction in the West Bank in exchange for a settlement freeze. On September 4, 2009, it was reported that Netanyahu agreed to approve more settlement constructions before a temporary settlement freeze agreement took place, which led to regret from the White House.

September 2009: Netanyahu Addresses UN on Iranian Threat

On 24 September 2009, Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly, expressing a differing opinion than Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's speech at the forum. He described the Iranian regime as fueled by fanaticism and posing a threat to civilization.

September 2009: UN General Assembly Address

On September 24, 2009, addressing the UN General Assembly in New York, Netanyahu warned of Iran's threat and the need to prevent its nuclear weapon acquisition. He passionately responded to Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's Holocaust denial, displaying blueprints for Auschwitz.

November 2009: Partial Settlement Freeze Announcement

On November 25, 2009, Netanyahu announced a partial 10-month settlement construction freeze in response to Obama administration pressure. While the U.S. acknowledged the gesture's limitations, it was considered more than any prior Israeli government had done. Palestinians rejected the call as insignificant.

2009: Became Prime Minister again

Following the 2009 legislative election, Netanyahu formed a coalition and once again became prime minister.

March 2010: Approval of East Jerusalem Construction

In March 2010, Israel approved construction of 1,600 apartments in Ramat Shlomo, East Jerusalem, during a visit by U.S. Vice-president Joe Biden, drawing strong condemnation. Netanyahu defended the decision as consistent with past Israeli government policies on Jerusalem.

September 2010: Agreement to Direct Talks

In September 2010, Netanyahu agreed to direct talks with the Palestinians, mediated by the Obama administration, to form a two-state solution. On September 27, 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 aimed to open Israel's concentrated economy to competition, lower consumer prices, reduce income inequality, and increase economic growth.

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 widespread social justice protests. Reforms were gradually adopted due to coalition differences.

May 2012: Recognition of Palestinian State

In May 2012, Netanyahu officially recognized for the first time 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 at UN

On 28 September 2012, Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly, setting a 'red line' of 90% uranium enrichment for Iran, illustrating his point with a cartoon graphic of a bomb.

October 2012: Likud-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 in the January 2013 general elections.

January 2013: Likud-Yisrael Beiteinu Election

In January 2013, Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman competed in general elections after merging Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu.

July 2013: Privatization of Ports

In July 2013, Netanyahu issued tenders for private port construction in Haifa and Ashdod, aiming to break the Israel Port Authority workers' monopoly and lower consumer prices.

December 2013: Approval of Business Concentration Law

In December 2013, the Knesset approved the Business Concentration Law, aiming to increase competition, lower consumer prices, reduce income inequality, and increase economic growth.

December 2014: Ministers Fired, Government Dissolved

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

March 2015: Netanyahu Addresses US Congress

In March 2015, Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United States Congress, marking his third speech to a joint session. The day before announcing he would address Congress, Time reported that he tried to derail a meeting between U.S. lawmakers and the head of Mossad, Tamir Pardo, who intended warning them against imposing further sanctions against Iran, a move that might derail nuclear talks.

March 2015: New Elections

In March 2015, new elections were scheduled following the dissolution of the government.

May 2015: Netanyahu Returns as Prime Minister

In May 2015, Netanyahu's party, Likud, won the election with 30 mandates. He was granted an extension to build a coalition and formed a government with Jewish Home, United Torah Judaism, Kulanu, and Shas by the May 6 deadline.

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, deregulation in construction, and financial sector reforms. The government ultimately compromised by removing some key agricultural reforms.

February 2017: First Serving Prime Minister of Israel to Visit Australia

In February 2017, Netanyahu became the first serving prime minister of Israel to visit Australia. The three-day official visit included a delegation of business representatives, and bilateral agreements with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

July 2018: Knesset Passes Nation-State Bill

In July 2018, the Knesset passed the Nation-State Bill, a Basic Law supported by Netanyahu's coalition government.

May 2020: Sworn in for Fifth Term

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 in front of the prime minister's residence, and he ordered the demonstrations to be dispersed using COVID-19 special regulations.

September 2020: Abraham Accords Signed

On September 15, 2020, the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, were signed at the White House.

October 2020: Sudan to Normalize Ties with Israel

In October 2020, U.S. President Trump announced that Sudan would begin normalizing relations with Israel as part of the Abraham Accords, making it the third Arab state to do so. Netanyahu expressed his gratitude to "President Trump and his team above all".

2020: Netanyahu Praises U.S. Airstrike Killing Soleimani

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

March 2021: Israel Leads in COVID-19 Vaccination

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

June 2021: Netanyahu Ousted as Prime Minister

In June 2021, Naftali Bennett announced an agreement with Yair Lapid to form a rotation government. On June 13, 2021, Bennett and Lapid formed a coalition, leading to Netanyahu's ousting as prime minister and ending his 12-year tenure.

June 2021: Removed from premiership

In June 2021, Netanyahu was removed from the premiership.

December 2022: Netanyahu Sworn in as Prime Minister Again

In December 2022, following the 2022 election, Netanyahu was sworn in as prime minister again as the leader of a hardline coalition. He officially started his sixth term on December 29, 2022.

2022: Returned after election

After the 2022 election, Netanyahu returned to the premiership.

2022: Became Prime Minister of Israel

In 2022, Benjamin Netanyahu once again became the Prime Minister of Israel, marking his return to the office.

2022: Netanyahu Leads Opposition into Election

In 2022, after the end of his second premiership, Netanyahu led the opposition into the 2022 Israeli legislative election. Likud remained the largest party in the twenty-fourth Knesset.

June 2025: Netanyahu Authorizes Airstrikes Against Iran

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