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 the Prime Minister of Israel since 2022. He previously held the same position from 1996-1999 and 2009-2021. Notably, he is the longest-serving Prime Minister in Israeli history, with over 17 years in office. His political career has been marked by significant influence on Israeli policy and international relations.

Sections (6)

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

1992: Defeat of Likud Party

Following the defeat of the Likud party in the 1992 Israeli legislative elections, Shamir retired from politics.

January 1996: Hamas Terrorist Attacks in Israel

Following the assassination of Hamas military leader Yahya Ayyash on January 5, 1996, Hamas, led by Mohammed Deif, launched a campaign of mass-casualty bombings inside Israel, including the Dizengoff Center suicide bombing in Tel Aviv and the two Jaffa Road bus bombings in Jerusalem. These attacks were larger and more sophisticated than previous ones, and it has been alleged that Syria and Iran helped in their planning and financing.

March 1996: Palestinian Suicide Bombings

In March 1996, a wave of suicide bombings carried out by Palestinians, on the 3rd and 4th of March, resulted in the deaths of 32 Israelis. These attacks contributed to the downfall of Shimon Peres and boosted Netanyahu's campaign, during which he emphasized security and a commitment to fighting terrorism.

March 1996: Netanyahu Gains in Polls

In March 1996, a wave of terror attacks significantly impacted the Israeli elections. Netanyahu closed the gap in the polls against Shimon Peres, leading to Netanyahu's victory in May. The attacks stopped after the election, due to Arafat's campaign against Hamas or because Netanyahu had already stopped the peace process.

July 1997: Mahane Yehuda Market Bombings

On July 30, 1997, a Hamas bombing campaign authorized by Iranian Intelligence Minister Ali Fallahian targeted the Mahane Yehuda market in Jerusalem. Mahmoud Abu Hanoud, a bomb-maker in the West Bank, constructed the bombs, and five suicide bombers detonated them simultaneously, killing 21 Israelis.

September 1997: Mossad Attempt to Assassinate Khaled Mashal

On September 27, 1997, Netanyahu authorized a Mossad operation to assassinate Hamas leader Khaled Mashal in Jordan. The attempt failed, leading to the arrest of Mossad agents and a demand from King Hussein for the antidote. Under pressure from US President Bill Clinton, Netanyahu provided the antidote and released Jordanian and Palestinian prisoners, including Sheikh Ahmad Yassin, which strained Israeli-Jordanian relations.

September 1997: Ben Yehuda Street Bombings

On September 4, 1997, Hamas bombed Ben Yehuda street in Jerusalem as part of a bombing campaign authorized by Iranian Intelligence Minister Ali Fallahian. Mahmoud Abu Hanoud, a bomb-maker in the West Bank, constructed the bombs, and five suicide bombers detonated them simultaneously. The same day, King Hussein demanded the release of Ahmed Yassin and other Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the release of Mossad agents involved in the Khaled Meshal assassination attempt.

1997: Corruption Investigation Recommended

In 1997, police recommended that Netanyahu be indicted on corruption charges for influence-peddling, for allegedly appointing an attorney general who would reduce the charges. Ultimately, prosecutors ruled that there was insufficient evidence to proceed to trial.

May 1998: Remains Exchanged After Ansariya Ambush

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 Hizbullah fighters and Lebanese soldiers. This followed the Hamas bombing of Ben Yehuda Street in Jerusalem in 1997 and the Hezbollah ambush on Shayetet 13 in Ansariya, South Lebanon, which resulted in 12 Israeli commandos' deaths.

1999: Defeat in Election

In 1999, Benjamin Netanyahu was defeated in the election and retired from politics.

1999: New Corruption Scandal Recommendation

In 1999, the Israel Police recommended that Netanyahu be tried for corruption involving $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 Israeli general election

Major Israeli failures against Hamas and Hezbollah under Netanyahu's first premiership and their results in the subsequent releases of imprisoned Palestinian and Lebanese leaders from Israeli jails are thought to have dealt a blow to Netanyahu's rhetoric of a "tough stance" towards enemies of Israel, and to have played a role in his defeat in the 1999 Israeli general election.

2000: Case 2000 Investigation

In 2000, Case 2000 involved alleged attempts by Benjamin Netanyahu to strike a deal with the publisher of the Yedioth Ahronot newspaper group, Arnon Mozes, to promote legislation to weaken Yedioth's main competitor, Israel Hayom, in exchange for more favorable coverage.

September 2002: Speech Canceled at Concordia University

On September 9, 2002, Netanyahu's scheduled speech at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada was canceled due to pro-Palestinian protesters overwhelming security. Netanyahu accused the activists of supporting terrorism.

October 2002: Protests at Heinz Hall Appearance

In October 2002, around 200 protesters met Netanyahu outside his Heinz Hall appearance in Pittsburgh. Security allowed his speeches to continue downtown at Heinz Hall and the Duquesne Club, as well as suburban Robert Morris University.

2003: Netanyahu diagnosed with RBBB

Around 2003, Benjamin Netanyahu was diagnosed with right bundle branch block (RBBB).

2003: Road Map for Peace

In 2003, the road map for peace required a complete stop to settlement building in the West Bank. Netanyahu affirmed that he accepted the road map, however he stated that a complete stop to settlement building was impossible and the expansions would be limited based on the "natural growth" of the population.

August 2005: Resignation over Gaza Pullout

In August 2005, Benjamin 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 Likud primaries

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

2008: Opposition to Israel-Hamas Ceasefire

In 2008, Netanyahu opposed the Israel–Hamas ceasefire, expressing concerns that it would allow Hamas to rearm.

January 2009: Settlement Expansion Announcement

In January 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, a policy of the Israeli governments of Ariel Sharon and Ehud Olmert. This expansion would contravene the Road Map, but he would not build new settlements.

February 2009: Israeli Elections

In February 2009, Israeli elections were held. Prior to the elections in January 2009, Netanyahu had informed Middle East envoy Tony Blair that he would continue the policy of expanding settlements in the West Bank, in contravention of the Road Map, but not building new ones.

February 2009: Iran as Greatest Threat

On February 20, 2009, after being asked to be the prime minister of Israel, Netanyahu described Iran as the greatest threat that Israel has ever faced, stating that Iran is seeking a nuclear weapon.

August 2009: Demands from Palestinians

On August 9, 2009, Netanyahu stated that an agreement with the Palestinians required the recognition of Israel as the national state of the Jewish people and a security settlement.

September 2009: UN General Assembly Speech on Iran

On September 24, 2009, Netanyahu spoke before the UN General Assembly and expressed a different opinion than Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, stating that those who believe Tehran is a threat only to Israel are wrong and that the Iranian regime is fueled by extreme fundamentalism.

September 2009: Secret Flight to Moscow

On September 7, 2009, Netanyahu left his office without reporting his destination. On September 9, 2009, reports emerged that he had made a secret flight to Moscow to dissuade Russian officials from selling S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems to Iran, leading to criticism and a "fiasco".

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 Palestinians rejected the call, stating the gesture was "insignificant".

2009: Conditioned Negotiations with Palestinians

In 2009, after US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton voiced support for a Palestinian state, Netanyahu conditioned negotiations with the Palestinians on their 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, a Jewish housing development in northern East Jerusalem, despite U.S. opposition, leading to a strongly worded condemnation. Netanyahu defended the decision by saying that all previous Israeli governments had continuously permitted construction in the neighborhood.

July 2011: Robert Gates' Criticism

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.

September 2011: Trajtenberg Committee Recommendations

In September 2011, the Trajtenberg Committee submitted recommendations to lower the high cost of living in Israel, following social justice protests that broke out across the country.

November 2011: Defense Budget and Security Cooperation

In November 2011, the Israeli General Staff concluded that the armed forces could not maintain battle readiness under Netanyahu's proposed budget cuts. Netanyahu decided to cut social programs instead and promised to increase the defense budget. Also in November 2011, a U.S. State Department representative stated that Israel and the United States had unprecedented security cooperation under the leadership of Netanyahu and Obama.

2011: Prisoner Swap for Gilad Shalit

In 2011, Benjamin Netanyahu arranged for 1000 Hamas and Fatah prisoners to be swapped for Gilad Shalit, including terrorists with "blood on their hands". Israeli officials estimated that 60% of those released would "resume terrorism attacks".

September 2012: Netanyahu's UN General Assembly Speech

On September 28, 2012, Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech at the UN General Assembly where he set a "red line" of 90% uranium enrichment for Iran, stating that reaching this level would pose an intolerable risk for Israel. He used a cartoon graphic of a bomb to illustrate his point.

November 2012: November 2012 ceasefire agreement formally ends

In June 2014, after several Hamas operatives were killed, either in an explosion or from an Israeli bombing, Hamas officially declared it would launch rockets from Gaza into Israel, and Israel started Operation Protective Edge in the Gaza Strip, formally ending the November 2012 ceasefire agreement.

2012: Warning Against Iranian Nuclear Bomb

Early in 2012, Benjamin Netanyahu used Israel's Holocaust Remembrance Day to warn against the dangers of an Iranian nuclear bomb. He stated he was following the example of Jewish leaders during World War II. Avner Cohen accused Netanyahu of showing "contempt" for the Holocaust, and Shlomo Ben-Ami condemned his "vulgar manipulation of the memory of the Holocaust".

2012: Consideration of Military Action Against Iran

In 2012, Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak considered possible Israeli military action against Iran's nuclear facilities. This followed Israel's established Begin Doctrine. Yuval Diskin, former head of the Shin Bet, accused them of acting on "messianic" impulses, while the RAND Corporation openly disagreed with Netanyahu's stance.

2012: "Prevention of Infiltration Law" Passed

In 2012, the Netanyahu government passed the "Prevention of Infiltration Law", which mandated automatic detention of all people entering Israel without permission. Amnesty International criticized it as "an affront to international law".

May 2013: Conflicting Commitments in Terror-Financing Case

In May 2013, Benjamin Netanyahu faced conflicting commitments made to the family of American terror victim Daniel Wultz and the Government of China. He reportedly promised U.S. Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen cooperation in a terror-financing case against Bank of China, but also made a conflicting promise to the Chinese government prior to a state visit.

2013: Denial of Peace Talks on Green Line Basis

In 2013, Netanyahu denied reports that his government would agree to peace talks on the basis of the green line.

2013: Supreme Court Ruling on Infiltration Law

In 2013, the Supreme Court of Israel declared the "Prevention of Infiltration Law" illegal for permitting immediate and indefinite detention of asylum seekers from Africa. Netanyahu requested new legislation to work around the ruling.

June 2014: Netanyahu blames Hamas for kidnapping and murder of Israeli teenagers

In June 2014, Netanyahu blamed Hamas for the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers, leading to a search and arrest operation in the West Bank and strikes in Gaza.

November 2014: Strained Relationship with Obama Administration

By November 2014, the relationship between Benjamin Netanyahu and the Obama administration was so problematic that Israel was reportedly waiting until a new U.S. president was elected before attempting to repair the relationship with the White House.

December 2014: Netanyahu fires ministers, leading to government dissolution

On 2 December 2014, Netanyahu fired Finance Minister Yair Lapid and Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, leading to the dissolution of the government and new elections.

2014: Criticism by Saeb Erekat

In 2014, Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat criticized Netanyahu, calling him "ideologically corrupt" and a war criminal.

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.

2015: Mossad Assessment on Iran's Uranium Enrichment Leaked

In 2015, cables were leaked that revealed Mossad's assessment at the time of Netanyahu's September 2012 UN speech, indicating that Iran did not appear ready to enrich uranium to levels required for a nuclear bomb. The leaked cables contradict Netanyahu's sense of urgency conveyed in 2012.

March 2016: Coalition faces crisis over prayer space at the Western Wall

In March 2016, Netanyahu's coalition faced a potential crisis as ultra-Orthodox members threatened to withdraw over the government's proposed steps to create non-Orthodox prayer space at the Western Wall.

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 by publicly advocating for the resolution to be vetoed.

January 2017: Netanyahu Under Investigation in Cases 1000 and 2000

Starting January 2017, Benjamin Netanyahu became the subject of investigation by Israeli police in "Case 1000" and "Case 2000". Case 1000 involves suspicions of receiving inappropriate favors from businessmen like James Packer and Arnon Milchan. Case 2000 concerns alleged attempts to make a deal with Arnon Mozes, the publisher of Yedioth Ahronot, to weaken Israel Hayom in return for favorable coverage.

May 2017: Allegation of Showing Fake Video to Trump

In May 2017, Rex Tillerson stated that Netanyahu showed Donald Trump a fake and altered video of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas calling for the killing of children, allegedly to influence Trump's position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

August 2017: Police Confirm Netanyahu Suspected of Crimes in Cases 1000 and 2000

On 3 August 2017, Israeli police confirmed for the first time that Benjamin Netanyahu was suspected of crimes involving fraud, breach of trust, and bribes in cases "1000" and "2000". On 4 August 2017, it was reported that Ari Harow, the prime minister's former chief of staff, had signed a deal with prosecutors to testify against Netanyahu in these cases.

February 2018: Police Recommend Corruption Charges Against Netanyahu

On 13 February 2018, Israeli police recommended that Benjamin 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: Recommendation for Indictment in Corruption Cases

On 25 November 2018, Liat Ben-Ari, the Economic Crimes Division Director, recommended indictment for Benjamin Netanyahu in Cases 1000 and 2000.

2018: Start of Political Crisis

In 2018, the Israeli political crisis began, leading to a rotation agreement between Netanyahu and Benny Gantz.

February 2019: Attorney General Intends to File Indictments Against Netanyahu

On 28 February 2019, the Israeli attorney general announced his intent to file indictments against Benjamin Netanyahu on bribe and fraud charges in three different cases.

November 2019: Netanyahu Formally Indicted

On 21 November 2019, Benjamin Netanyahu was formally indicted on bribe and fraud charges. On 23 November 2019, he relinquished his agriculture, health, social affairs, and diaspora affairs portfolios in compliance with legal precedent.

2019: Indictment on Charges

In 2019, Benjamin Netanyahu was indicted on charges of breach of trust, bribery, and fraud.

2019: Support for Bolstering Hamas

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 as part of a strategy to isolate Palestinians in Gaza from those in the West Bank.

January 2020: Netanyahu Officially Charged

On 28 January 2020, Benjamin Netanyahu was officially charged in his ongoing corruption cases.

May 2020: Netanyahu's Criminal Trial Set to Begin

Benjamin Netanyahu's criminal trial was set to begin on 24 May 2020, after being delayed from its initial March schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 2020: Netanyahu Sworn in for Fifth Term Amid Protests

On 17 May 2020, Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in for a fifth term as prime minister in a coalition with Benny Gantz. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel and Netanyahu's criminal trial, extensive demonstrations broke out against him, which he attempted to disperse using COVID-19 special regulations.

2020: Collapse of Rotation Agreement

In 2020, the rotation agreement between Netanyahu and Benny Gantz collapsed.

March 2021: Israeli Election

In March 2021, an Israeli election took place during the 2018–2022 Israeli political crisis.

May 2021: Operation Guardian of the Walls Initiated

In May 2021, after tensions escalated in Jerusalem and Hamas fired rockets on Israel from Gaza, Benjamin Netanyahu initiated Operation Guardian of the Walls, which lasted eleven days.

June 2021: Removal from Premiership

In June 2021, Benjamin Netanyahu was removed from the premiership.

June 2021: Netanyahu Ousted as Prime Minister

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

April 2023: Netanyahu's Criminal Trial Ongoing

As of April 2023, Benjamin Netanyahu's criminal trial was still ongoing.

July 2023: Pacemaker implanted in Netanyahu's body

On July 22, 2023, a pacemaker was implanted in Benjamin Netanyahu's body.

September 2023: Continued Backing of Qatari Payments

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 Against Netanyahu

In October 2023, Benjamin 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. There were increased calls for Netanyahu's resignation due to a perceived failure to anticipate the Hamas-led attack. He was also accused of using "dangerous rhetoric" when comparing Hamas to Amalek. He blamed Israel's security chiefs for the attack but later deleted the post.

October 2023: Israel Enters State of War Against Hamas

On 7 October 2023, following a major surprise attack by Palestinian militants from Gaza, Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel would enter a state of war against Hamas. He threatened severe consequences for areas where Hamas was organized and urged Gaza residents to leave. He also proposed an emergency unity government with opposition parties.

November 2023: Netanyahu Rejects Ceasefire Calls

On 11 November 2023, Benjamin Netanyahu rejected calls for a ceasefire in the war and warned that Israel would "stand firm against the world if necessary." He also 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.

December 2023: Criticism and Accusations Against Netanyahu

In December 2023, Benjamin Netanyahu faced criticism during a meeting with released Israeli hostages, with one accusing him of prioritizing politics over the return of the kidnapped. He also suggested supporting the "voluntary migration" of Palestinians from Gaza. Additionally, he has been accused of genocide, leading to the South Africa v. Israel case before the International Court of Justice in December 2023.

December 2023: Accusation of Genocide in Gaza

In December 2023, Benjamin Netanyahu's government was accused of genocide in Gaza, leading to the South Africa v. Israel case before the International Court of Justice.

March 2024: Hernia discovered on Netanyahu

In March 2024, a hernia was discovered on Benjamin Netanyahu.

May 2024: ICC Prosecutor to Seek Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu

On 20 May 2024, Karim Khan, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, announced his intention to apply for an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu on several counts of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

July 2024: Pakistan designates Netanyahu as a "terrorist"

In July 2024, Pakistan officially designated Netanyahu a "terrorist", calling him responsible for the atrocities in Gaza.

October 2024: Invasion of Lebanon

In October 2024, Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an invasion of Lebanon.

October 2024: Drone Attack on Netanyahu's Residence

On 19 October 2024, a drone attack believed to have originated from Lebanon was made on Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Caesarea. Netanyahu was not present at the time, and no casualties were reported. Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of attempting to assassinate him in the attack.

November 2024: ICC Arrest Warrant

In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, along with Yoav Gallant and Mohammed Deif, for alleged war crimes.

November 2024: ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu

On 21 November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif for alleged war crimes committed during the Gaza war. Netanyahu described the ruling as "absurd and false lies" and said the decision is "antisemitic".

December 2024: Invasion of Syria

In December 2024, Benjamin Netanyahu directed an invasion of Syria after the fall of the Assad regime.

December 2024: Prostate removed from Netanyahu

In December 2024, Benjamin Netanyahu's prostate was removed following a urinary tract infection caused by an enlargement.

March 2025: Israel Launches Attack on Gaza and Netanyahu Fires Intelligence Chief

On the night of 18 March 2025, Israel launched a surprise attack on the Gaza Strip, ending the 2025 Gaza war ceasefire. Benjamin Netanyahu, scheduled to testify in his corruption trial on 18 March, had the proceedings postponed due to the attacks. In March 2025, Netanyahu also fired Ronen Bar, the chief of the Shin Bet intelligence service.