Challenges Faced by Benjamin Netanyahu: Obstacles and Turning Points
Life is full of challenges, and Benjamin Netanyahu faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.
Benjamin Netanyahu is a prominent Israeli politician, currently serving as Prime Minister since 2022, a position he also held from 1996-1999 and 2009-2021. He holds the record as Israel's longest-serving prime minister, with over 17 years in office. A significant figure in Israeli politics, his leadership has shaped the country's domestic and foreign policies for an extended period.
January 1996: Assassination of Yahya Ayyash and Hamas retaliation
On January 5, 1996, the Shin Bet assassinated Hamas military leader Yahya Ayyash. Subsequently, Mohammed Deif organized a mass-casualty bombing campaign inside Israel as retaliation, including the Dizengoff Center suicide bombing in Tel Aviv and the two Jaffa Road bus bombings in Jerusalem. The attacks were allegedly planned and financed with the help of Syria and Iran.
March 1996: Suicide bombings and election impact
In March 1996, a wave of suicide bombings carried out by Palestinians resulted in the deaths of 32 Israelis. This event, combined with Shimon Peres' perceived inability to stop the attacks, significantly contributed to his downfall in the upcoming elections and the rise of Netanyahu.
March 1996: Terror attacks alter election course
In March 1996, a wave of terror attacks significantly altered the course of the Israeli election. Initially, Shimon Peres held a substantial lead in the polls, but by mid-March, Netanyahu had closed the gap due to Peres' inability to stop the attacks. Netanyahu ultimately won the election on May 29.
1996: Opening of Western Wall Tunnel exit sparks riots
In 1996, Netanyahu, along with Jerusalem's mayor Ehud Olmert, decided to open an exit in the Arab Quarter for the Western Wall Tunnel. This decision, which reversed a previous instruction by Shimon Peres to put the project on hold, triggered three days of intense rioting by Palestinians, leading to the deaths of numerous Israelis and Palestinians.
1996: Impact of Hamas attacks on Israeli election
In 1996, the campaign of massive retaliation by Hamas and the failure of Israeli intelligence services to prevent it contributed to the defeat of Prime Minister Shimon Peres and the Israeli Labor Party in the Israeli general election, leading to the victory of Netanyahu's Likud party.
July 1997: Hamas bombing campaign in Jerusalem
In July 1997, Iranian Intelligence Minister Ali Fallahian authorized a new Hamas bombing campaign to disrupt the peace process. Hamas leader Khaled Meshal tasked Mahmoud Abu Hanoud with constructing the bombs, leading to the Mahane Yehuda market bombings in Jerusalem on July 30, 1997, which resulted in multiple Israeli deaths.
September 1997: Mossad operation to assassinate Khaled Mashal in Jordan
On September 27, 1997, Netanyahu authorized a Mossad operation to assassinate Hamas leader Khaled Mashal in Jordan. The team injected poison into Mashal's ears in Amman, but the plot was exposed. King Hussein demanded the antidote, and after pressure from US President Bill Clinton, Netanyahu relented and released Jordanian and Palestinian prisoners. This incident strained Israeli-Jordanian relations.
September 1997: Ben Yehuda street bombings and aftermath of Mashal assassination attempt
On September 4, 1997, Hamas carried out the Ben Yehuda street bombings in Jerusalem, resulting in the deaths of 21 Israelis. Simultaneously, King Hussein's demands after the failed assassination attempt on Khaled Mashal led to the release of Mossad agents, Ahmed Yassin, and a large number of Palestinian prisoners to publicly defend the release of the hit team.
1997: Police recommend indictment on corruption charges
In 1997, police recommended that Netanyahu be indicted on corruption charges for influence-peddling, accusing him of appointing an attorney general who would reduce the charges. However, prosecutors ruled that there was insufficient evidence to go to trial.
May 1998: Hezbollah ambush on IDF Shayetet 13 in Ansariya
On May 25, 1998, the remains of Itamar Ilyah and body parts of other soldiers killed in the Ansariya ambush were exchanged for Lebanese prisoners and the bodies of Hezbollah fighters, including Hadi Nasrallah, the son of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah. Netanyahu described it as "one of the worst tragedies that has ever occurred to us".
1999: Impact of Hamas and Hezbollah actions on Netanyahu's image
In 1999, major Israeli failures against Hamas and Hezbollah under Netanyahu's first premiership, and the subsequent releases of imprisoned Palestinian and Lebanese leaders, damaged Netanyahu's 'tough stance' rhetoric and contributed to his defeat in the Israeli general election.
1999: Police recommend trial for corruption
In 1999, the Israel Police recommended that Netanyahu be tried for corruption for accepting $100,000 in free services from a government contractor. However, Israel's attorney general did not prosecute due to difficulties with evidence.
1999: Defeat in election and retirement from politics
In the 1999 election, Benjamin Netanyahu was defeated and subsequently retired from politics, entering the private sector.
2000: Case 2000 Investigation
In 2000, Case 2000 involved alleged attempts by Netanyahu to strike a deal with Arnon Mozes, the publisher of the Yedioth Ahronot newspaper group, to promote legislation to weaken Yedioth's main competitor, Israel Hayom, in exchange for more favorable coverage of Netanyahu.
September 2002: Cancellation of Concordia University speech due to protests
On September 9, 2002, a scheduled speech by Netanyahu at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada was canceled after pro-Palestinian protesters overwhelmed security. Netanyahu, who remained at his hotel, accused the activists of supporting terrorism.
October 2002: Protests during Netanyahu's appearances in Pittsburgh
On October 1, 2002, around 200 protesters met Netanyahu outside his Heinz Hall appearance in Pittsburgh. Despite the protests, his speeches continued downtown at Heinz Hall and the Duquesne Club, as well as suburban Robert Morris University with protection by Pittsburgh Police, Israeli security, and a Pittsburgh SWAT unit.
2004: Gaza Pullout Referendum Threat
In 2004, Netanyahu threatened to resign from office unless the Gaza pullout plan was put to a referendum, modifying the ultimatum later and voting for the program in the Knesset.
August 2005: Resignation Letter Submitted
On 7 August 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, Netanyahu attempted to hold early primaries for the Likud leadership while the party held the office of prime minister, effectively trying to push Ariel Sharon out of office; however, the party rejected this initiative.
January 2009: Informing Tony Blair about settlement expansion policy
In January 2009, prior to the February 2009 Israeli elections, Netanyahu informed Middle East envoy Tony Blair that he would continue the policy of expanding settlements in the West Bank but not building new ones.
February 2009: Supports New Elections
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.
February 2009: Informing Tony Blair about settlement expansion policy
In February 2009, prior to the Israeli elections, Netanyahu informed Middle East envoy Tony Blair that he would continue the policy of expanding settlements in the West Bank but not building new ones.
August 2009: Repeating demands from the Palestinians
On August 9, 2009, Netanyahu repeated his demands from the Palestinians: recognition of Israel as the national state of the Jewish people and a security settlement.
September 2009: Secret Flight to Moscow
On 7 September 2009, Netanyahu left his office without reporting where he was headed. On 9 September 2009, Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the Israeli leader had made a secret flight to Moscow to try to persuade Russian officials not to sell S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems to Iran.
November 2009: Partial Settlement Freeze Plan
On 25 November 2009, Netanyahu announced a partial 10-month settlement construction freeze plan in response to pressure from the Obama administration.
2009: Influx of migrants into Israel
Between 2009 and 2013, approximately 60,000 people crossed into Israel from various African countries.
2009: Differing Views on Palestinian State
In 2009, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton voiced support for the establishment of a Palestinian state – a solution not endorsed by prime minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu, who conditioned negotiations on the Palestinians recognizing Israel as a Jewish state.
March 2010: Approval of Construction in East Jerusalem
In March 2010, Israel's government approved construction of an additional 1,600 apartments in Ramat Shlomo in northern East Jerusalem.
July 2011: Robert Gates Criticism
On retiring from office in July 2011, former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates had said that Netanyahu was ungrateful to the United States and endangering Israel.
September 2011: Trajtenberg Committee Recommendations
In response to social justice protests across Israel, the Trajtenberg Committee, appointed by Netanyahu to examine the problems and propose solutions, submitted recommendations to lower the high cost of living in September 2011.
November 2011: Defense budget and security cooperation with the U.S.
In November 2011, the Israeli General Staff concluded that the armed forces could not maintain battle readiness under Netanyahu's proposed cuts. Netanyahu then cut social programs and increased the defense budget. Also in November 2011, a U.S. State Department representative noted unprecedented security cooperation between Israel and the United States under Netanyahu and Obama.
September 2012: Speech to the UN General Assembly
On September 28, 2012, Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly, outlining a "red line" of 90% uranium enrichment for Iran, using a cartoon graphic of a bomb to illustrate his point and indicating the stages of uranium enrichment.
November 2012: End of ceasefire agreement
In November 2012, the ceasefire agreement ended, and Israel started Operation Protective Edge in the Gaza Strip.
2012: Consideration of Israeli military action against Iran's nuclear facilities
In 2012, Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak considered Israeli military action against Iran's nuclear facilities. This consideration was met with criticism from Yuval Diskin, former head of the Shin Bet, and Meir Dagan, former Mossad chief. The RAND Corporation also openly disagreed with Netanyahu's stance in 2012.
2012: Passage of "Prevention of Infiltration Law"
In 2012, the Netanyahu government passed the "Prevention of Infiltration Law", mandating automatic detention of people entering Israel without permission. Amnesty International criticized it. When the Supreme Court declared it illegal, Netanyahu requested new legislation to circumvent the ruling.
2013: Influx of migrants into Israel
Between 2009 and 2013, approximately 60,000 people crossed into Israel from various African countries.
2013: Denial of peace talks based on the green line
In 2013, Netanyahu denied reports that his government would agree to peace talks on the basis of the green line.
2013: Netanyahu forms new coalition government
In 2013, despite his Likud Beiteinu coalition returning with fewer seats, Israeli president Shimon Peres charged Netanyahu with forming the Thirty-third government of Israel. The new coalition included the Yesh Atid, The Jewish Home and Hatnuah parties and excludes the ultra-Orthodox parties.
October 2014: Obama administration official calls Netanyahu a 'chickenshit'
In October 2014, Jeffrey Goldberg reported that a senior official in the Obama administration called Netanyahu a "chickenshit" after Netanyahu accused U.S. president Barack Obama of "acting contrary to American values". Secretary of State John Kerry phoned Netanyahu to clarify that "such statements are disgraceful, unacceptable and damaging". Observers characterized the relationship as having reached a crisis level by October 2014.
October 2014: Government approves privatization plan and criticizes settlement criticism
In October 2014, Netanyahu's government approved a privatization plan for state-owned companies and criticized the American government's view on settlements which caused a rebuke from the White House.
November 2014: Israel to wait until new U.S. president is elected
In November 2014, Goldberg reported that Israel would wait until a new U.S. president was elected before attempting to repair the relationship with the White House, due to rifts between Netanyahu and the Obama administration.
December 2014: Netanyahu Fires Ministers, Dissolves Government
On 2 December 2014, Netanyahu fired two of his ministers, Finance Minister Yair Lapid and Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, leading to the dissolution of the government.
2014: Agreement to American framework and settlers' option
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.
2014: Criticism from Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat
In 2014, Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat criticized Netanyahu, calling him "ideologically corrupt" and a war criminal.
January 2015: Netanyahu invited to address US Congress
In January 2015, Netanyahu was invited to address the US Congress, marking his third speech to a joint session. There were objections to the arrangement of the speech without the Obama administration's support.
March 2015: New elections expected
In December 2014, Netanyahu fired two of his ministers which led to the dissolution of the government, with new elections expected on 17 March 2015.
March 2015: Negative reaction expected to Netanyahu's speech to Congress
Leading up to Netanyahu's speech to the US Congress on 3 March 2015, Israeli consuls general in the United States anticipated a negative reaction from U.S. Jewish communities and Israel's allies.
October 2015: Netanyahu's claim about the Grand Mufti and the Holocaust
In October 2015, Netanyahu faced widespread criticism for claiming that the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Haj Amin al-Husseini, gave Adolf Hitler the idea for the Holocaust. This claim was dismissed by mainstream historians.
2015: Netanyahu on Palestinian State
Approaching the 2015 Israeli elections, Netanyahu stated that a Palestinian state would not be established during his term, citing concerns about yielding territory to radical Islamic terrorists. However, he reiterated his support for a peaceful, sustainable two-state solution.
2015: Response to Ethiopian Jewish protests against police brutality
In 2015, after Ethiopian Jewish protests against police brutality, Netanyahu pledged a comprehensive plan to assist them and condemned racism and discrimination.
2015: Mossad's assessment on Iran's nuclear capabilities leaked
In 2015, cables were leaked indicating 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.
March 2016: Coalition Crisis Over Western Wall Prayer Space
In March 2016, Netanyahu's coalition faced a potential crisis as ultra-Orthodox members threatened to withdraw over proposed non-Orthodox prayer space at the Western Wall.
December 2016: US abstains from UN Security Council Resolution 2334
On 23 December 2016, the United States abstained from United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, effectively allowing it to pass. Netanyahu strongly criticized the UN Resolution in response.
December 2016: UN Security Council resolution on Israeli settlements
On December 23, 2016, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution calling for an end to Israeli settlements, with the U.S. abstaining from the vote. At the behest of the Netanyahu government, President-elect Trump attempted to intercede. Netanyahu's office alleged that the Obama administration colluded with the UN.
January 2017: Israel Withdraws Dues from UN
On 6 January 2017, the Israeli government withdrew its annual dues from the organization, which totaled $6 million in United States dollars.
May 2017: Showing Donald Trump a fake video of Mahmoud Abbas
In May 2017, former United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson stated that Netanyahu showed Donald Trump a fake and altered video of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas calling for the killing of children in order to change Trump's position in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
August 2017: Police Suspect Netanyahu of Crimes
On 3 August 2017, Israeli police confirmed for the first time that Netanyahu was suspected of crimes involving fraud, breach of trust, and bribes in cases "1000" and "2000". The next day, it was reported that the prime minister's former chief of staff, Ari Harow, had signed a deal with prosecutors to testify against Netanyahu in these cases.
January 2018: Preliminary vote in favor of death penalty for terrorism
In January 2018, a preliminary vote in the Israeli parliament favored a bill allowing the death penalty for terrorism.
February 2018: Police Recommend Corruption Charges
On 13 February 2018, Israeli police recommended that Netanyahu be charged with corruption, citing sufficient evidence to indict him on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in Cases 1000 and 2000. Netanyahu denied the allegations and stated he would continue as prime minister.
November 2018: Indictment Recommended for Netanyahu
On 25 November 2018, Economic Crimes Division Director Liat Ben-Ari recommended indictment for Netanyahu in the corruption cases.
2018: Start of Israeli political crisis
The 2018–2022 Israeli political crisis led to a rotation agreement between Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz.
February 2019: Attorney General Announces Intent to Indict
On 28 February 2019, the Israeli attorney general announced his intent to file indictments against Netanyahu on bribery and fraud charges in three different cases.
November 2019: Netanyahu Formally Indicted
On 21 November 2019, Netanyahu was formally indicted on bribe and fraud charges. He could face up to 10 years in prison for bribery and three years for fraud and breach of trust if convicted. On 23 November 2019, it was announced that Netanyahu would relinquish his agriculture, health, social affairs and diaspora affairs portfolios, in compliance with legal precedent.
2019: Indictment on charges of breach of trust, bribery and fraud
In 2019, Benjamin Netanyahu was indicted on charges of breach of trust, bribery, and fraud, and relinquished all ministerial posts except prime minister.
2019: Support for bolstering Hamas to thwart a Palestinian state
In 2019, Netanyahu said at a private Likud party meeting that anyone who wants to thwart the establishment of a Palestinian state has to support bolstering Hamas and transferring money to Hamas.
January 2020: Trump frustrated with Netanyahu
In January 2020, Donald Trump became frustrated with Benjamin Netanyahu's rhetoric regarding the annexation of the Jordan Valley and considered endorsing his political opponent, Benny Gantz.
January 2020: Public support for Trump's Israeli-Palestinian peace plan
In January 2020, Netanyahu publicly supported Trump's Israeli-Palestinian peace plan. However, after the peace proposal failed, Trump said Netanyahu "never wanted peace" with the Palestinians.
January 2020: Netanyahu Officially Charged
On 28 January 2020, Netanyahu was officially charged, marking a significant development in his ongoing legal battles.
May 2020: Criminal Trial Set to Begin
In May 2020, Netanyahu's criminal trial was set to begin on 24 May, having been initially scheduled for March but delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 2020: Sworn in for Fifth Term Amid Protests
On 17 May 2020, Netanyahu was sworn in for a fifth term as prime minister in a coalition with Benny Gantz. Against a background of the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel and Netanyahu's criminal trial, extensive demonstrations broke out against him in front of the prime minister's residence, leading to attempts to disperse them using COVID-19 regulations, which ultimately enlarged the demonstrations.
2020: Collapse of rotation agreement
In 2020, the rotation agreement between Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz collapsed, leading to a March 2021 election.
June 2021: Removal from Premiership
In June 2021, Benjamin Netanyahu was removed from the position of Prime Minister.
June 2021: Ousted as Prime Minister
On 13 June 2021, Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid formed a coalition government, leading to Netanyahu being ousted as prime minister and ending his 12-year tenure.
April 2023: Criminal Trial Ongoing
As of April 2023, Netanyahu's criminal trial was still ongoing, indicating a prolonged legal process.
September 2023: Continued backing of Qatari payments to Gaza
According to the New York Times, as late as September 2023, Netanyahu continued backing Qatari payments to Gaza in response to Qatari questions.
October 2023: Criticism and Protests Over Intelligence Failure
In October 2023, Netanyahu faced criticism for presiding over what was described as Israel's biggest intelligence failure in 50 years, leading to protests calling for his removal. Increased opposition arose due to a perceived failure to anticipate the Hamas-led attack, with calls for his resignation. A poll showed that 56% of Israelis believed he must resign after the war. On 28 October 2023, he was accused of using "dangerous rhetoric" when comparing Hamas to Amalek. On 29 October, he blamed Israel's security chiefs for Hamas's attack, a post he later deleted.
October 2023: Israel Enters State of War Against Hamas
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 to "turn all the places where Hamas is organized and hiding into cities of ruins", called Gaza "the city of evil", and urged its residents to "leave now".
November 2023: Rejects Ceasefire Calls and Defends Israel's Actions
On 11 November 2023, Netanyahu rejected calls for a ceasefire in the war and warned that Israel will "stand firm against the world if necessary." He stated that the Israel Defense Forces would remain in Gaza "as long as necessary" and that Israel would prevent the Palestinian Authority from returning to Gaza. He dismissed allegations that Israel is breaking international law as "hogwash" and described Palestinian civilian casualties as "collateral damage."
December 2023: Accusations of genocide in Gaza
In December 2023, Benjamin Netanyahu's government was accused of genocide in Gaza, culminating in the South Africa v. Israel case before the International Court of Justice.
December 2023: Accusations of Putting Politics Above Hostages' Return and Genocide Accusations
In December 2023, Netanyahu faced criticism during a meeting with released Israeli hostages, with one accusing him of putting politics "above the return of the kidnapped." Also in December 2023, he supported the "voluntary migration" of Palestinians from Gaza. Netanyahu has been accused of genocide by non-governmental organizations, culminating in the South Africa v. Israel case before the International Court of Justice.
May 2024: ICC Prosecutor Seeks Arrest Warrant
On 20 May 2024, Karim Khan, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, announced his intention to apply for an arrest warrant for Netanyahu on several counts of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
July 2024: Pakistan designating Netanyahu as a "terrorist"
In July 2024, Pakistan officially designated Netanyahu a "terrorist", calling him responsible for the atrocities in Gaza.
October 2024: Orders invasion of Lebanon
In October 2024, Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an invasion of Lebanon with the stated goal of destroying the military capabilities of Hezbollah.
October 2024: Drone Attack on Netanyahu's Residence
On 19 October 2024, a drone attack believed to have originated from Lebanon was made on Netanyahu's residence in Caesarea. Netanyahu was not present at the time, and no casualties were reported. He accused Hezbollah of attempting to assassinate him.
November 2024: ICC issues arrest warrant for Netanyahu
In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, along with others, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
December 2024: Directs invasion of Syria
In December 2024, after the fall of the Assad regime, Benjamin Netanyahu directed an invasion of Syria against the Syrian opposition.
March 2025: Resumption of Gaza War and Intelligence Chief Fired
On the night of 18 March 2025, Israel launched a surprise attack on the Gaza Strip, effectively ending the 2025 Gaza war ceasefire. Netanyahu's corruption trial was postponed as a result. In March 2025, Netanyahu fired Ronen Bar, the chief of the Shin Bet intelligence service, citing a loss of confidence in him. Ronen Bar accused the government of firing him for investigating Qatar's involvement and influence in the Prime Minister's Office, in a case known as the Qatari connection affair.
2025: Investigation into alleged ties between Netanyahu's advisors and Qatar
In 2025, Shin Beth started an investigation into the alleged ties between Netanyahu's advisors and Qatar.
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