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 "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.

Sections (6)

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

1992: Likud party defeat

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

January 1996: Hamas Terrorist Attacks and Assassination of Yahya Ayyash

In January 1996, the months leading up to the Israeli election were marked by a series of Hamas terrorist attacks within Israel. Following the assassination of Hamas military leader Yahya Ayyash on January 5, 1996, by the Shin Bet, Mohammed Deif orchestrated a bombing campaign, including the Dizengoff Center suicide bombing and Jaffa Road bus bombings. Allegations arose that Syria and Iran assisted in planning and financing these attacks.

March 1996: Wave of Suicide Bombings

On 3 and 4 March 1996, Palestinians carried out two suicide bombings, killing 32 Israelis.

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: Opening of the Western Wall Tunnel Exit in 1996

In 1996, Netanyahu, along with Jerusalem's mayor Ehud Olmert, decided to open an exit in the Arab Quarter for the Western Wall Tunnel, a project that former Prime Minister Shimon Peres had put on hold. This decision triggered three days of rioting by Palestinians, resulting in the deaths of dozens of Israelis and Palestinians.

September 1997: Mossad Operation to Assassinate Khaled Mashal in September 1997

In September 1997, Netanyahu authorized a Mossad operation to assassinate Hamas leader Khaled Mashal in Jordan. On September 27, 1997, the Mossad team injected poison into Mashal's ears in Amman. The plot was exposed, leading to the arrest of agents and a standoff at the Israeli embassy. King Hussein demanded the antidote, and Netanyahu relented after pressure from US President Bill Clinton, ordering the release of Jordanian and Palestinian prisoners, including Sheikh Ahmad Yassin. This incident damaged Israeli-Jordanian relations.

1997: Police recommendation for Netanyahu Indictment in 1997

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

May 1998: Exchange of Remains After the Ansariya Ambush in May 1998

On May 25, 1998, the remains and body parts of at least three soldiers who died in the Ansariya ambush were exchanged for 65 Lebanese prisoners and the bodies of 40 Hizbullah fighters and Lebanese soldiers captured by Israel. Netanyahu called it "one of the worst tragedies that has ever occurred to us".

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: Defeated in election

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

September 2002: Speech Cancellation at Concordia University in September 2002

On September 9, 2002, a scheduled speech by Netanyahu at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada was canceled after hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters overwhelmed security and smashed through a window. Netanyahu, who was not present, accused the activists of supporting terrorism. Weeks later, around 200 protesters met Netanyahu outside his Heinz Hall appearance in Pittsburgh.

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.

2004: Threat to Resign over Gaza Pullout Plan in 2004

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 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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

September 2009: Secret Flight to Moscow

On September 7, 2009, Netanyahu left his office without reporting his destination. On September 9, 2009, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Netanyahu's secret flight to Moscow to dissuade Russia from selling S-300 missiles to Iran, leading to public criticism and the dismissal of his military secretary.

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: US Support for Palestinian State

In 2009, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton supported a Palestinian state, differing from Netanyahu's stance. He conditioned negotiations on Palestinian recognition of Israel as a Jewish state upon the arrival of President Obama's special envoy, George Mitchell.

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.

July 2011: Robert Gates' Criticism

Upon retiring from office in July 2011, former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates criticized Netanyahu as ungrateful and endangering Israel. The Likud party defended Netanyahu, citing broad support within Israel and the United States.

September 2011: Trajtenberg Committee Recommendations

In September 2011, the Trajtenberg Committee, appointed by Netanyahu and headed by professor Manuel Trajtenberg, submitted recommendations to lower the high cost of living in Israel, following widespread social justice protests. Reforms were gradually adopted due to coalition differences.

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.

November 2012: Ceasefire Agreement

In November 2012, a ceasefire agreement was formally ended after several Hamas operatives were killed. Following this, Hamas officially declared that it would launch rockets from Gaza into Israel, and Israel initiated Operation Protective Edge in the Gaza Strip.

2012: Netanyahu Considers Military Action Against Iran

By 2012, Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak considered possible Israeli military action against Iran's nuclear facilities, leading to accusations of 'messianic' impulses and warmongering rhetoric.

2012: Prevention of Infiltration Law Passed

In 2012, the Netanyahu government passed the "Prevention of Infiltration Law", mandating automatic detention for individuals entering Israel without permission. Amnesty International criticized the law as "an affront to international law".

October 2013: Netanyahu on Iranian Regime and Nuclear Weapons

In an October 2013 interview with BBC Persian Service, Netanyahu stated that if the Iranian regime had nuclear weapons, the Iranian people would never be free of dictatorship.

June 2014: Netanyahu criticizes Hamas, PA, US, and Europe

In June 2014, Benjamin Netanyahu voiced strong concerns about the unity government formed by Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, criticizing the United States and European governments for engaging with the Palestinian coalition. He blamed Hamas for the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers that same month, leading to a large-scale search and arrest operation in the West Bank and strikes on 60 targets in Gaza. The discovery of the teenagers' bodies on June 30, 2014, further escalated the conflict.

October 2014: Privatization plan approved and Criticism of settlements

In October 2014, Netanyahu's government approved a privatization plan to reduce corruption and politicization in government companies, and strengthen Israel's capital market. That same month, Netanyahu called criticism of settlements "against the American values", which earned him rebuke from the White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest.

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.

October 2015: Controversy over Holocaust claim

In October 2015, Netanyahu faced criticism for stating that the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Haj Amin al-Husseini, gave Adolf Hitler the idea of exterminating Jews. This claim was widely dismissed by historians.

2015: Statements on Palestinian State

In 2015, as election day approached, Netanyahu stated that a Palestinian state would not be established during his term, citing concerns that it would lead to attacks on Israel by radical Islamic terrorists. However, he reiterated his support for a peaceful, sustainable two-state solution.

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 steps to create non-Orthodox prayer space at the Western Wall.

December 2016: UN Security Council Resolution

On December 23, 2016, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution calling for an end to Israeli settlements. The U.S., under the Obama administration, abstained from the vote. At the behest of the Netanyahu government, President-elect Trump attempted to intercede. Netanyahu's office alleged that "the Obama administration not only failed to protect Israel against this gang-up at the UN, it colluded with it behind the scenes".

December 2016: US Abstains from UN Security Council Resolution

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

January 2017: Israeli government withdraws dues from UN

In January 2017, the Israeli government withdrew its annual dues from the United Nations, which totaled $6 million in United States dollars.

January 2017: Police Investigation Begins

Since January 2017, Netanyahu has been investigated by Israeli police in two connected cases, "Case 1000" and "Case 2000".

May 2017: Netanyahu Shows Trump Altered Video of Abbas

On May 22, 2017, Netanyahu showed Trump a fake and altered video of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas calling for the killing of children, according to former United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

August 2017: Netanyahu suspected of fraud, breach of trust, and bribes

In August 2017, Israeli police confirmed that Netanyahu was suspected of crimes involving fraud, breach of trust, and bribes in the two cases. 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.

October 2017: Government Announces Leaving UNESCO

In October 2017, Netanyahu's government announced it was leaving UNESCO due to what it saw as anti-Israel actions by the agency.

December 2017: Government Officially Notifies UNESCO of Withdrawal

In December 2017, the Israeli government officially notified UNESCO of its withdrawal from the organization.

February 2018: Police Recommend Indictment

In February 2018, Israeli police recommended that Netanyahu be charged with corruption.

April 2018: Accusations Against Iran's Nuclear Program

In April 2018, Netanyahu accused Iran of violating the Iran nuclear deal, presenting documents detailing Iran's nuclear program. Iran dismissed the presentation as "propaganda".

November 2018: Indictment Recommended for Both Cases

In November 2018, Economic Crimes Division Director Liat Ben-Ari recommended indictment for both cases.

2018: Israeli political crisis

The 2018–2022 Israeli political crisis resulted in a rotation agreement between Netanyahu and Benny Gantz.

February 2019: Attorney General Announces Intent to File Indictments

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

April 2019: Brokered Deal Uniting Jewish Home and Otzma Yehudit

Prior to the April 2019 Israeli legislative election, Netanyahu helped broker a deal that united the Jewish Home party with the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, in order to form the Union of the Right-Wing Parties. The deal was criticized in the media, as Otzma is widely characterized as racist and traces its origins to the extremist Kahanist movement.

November 2019: Netanyahu Formally Indicted

Netanyahu was formally indicted on November 21, 2019. On November 23, 2019, it was announced that Netanyahu would relinquish his agriculture, health, social affairs and diaspora affairs portfolios.

2019: Indicted on charges

In 2019, Netanyahu was indicted on charges of breach of trust, bribery and fraud, and relinquished all ministerial posts except prime minister.

January 2020: Netanyahu Officially Charged

On January 28, 2020, Netanyahu was officially charged.

May 2020: Criminal Trial Set to Begin

Netanyahu's criminal trial was set to begin on May 24, 2020, having been initially scheduled for March but delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

2020: Rotation agreement collapsed

In 2020, the rotation agreement between Netanyahu and Benny Gantz collapsed, leading to a 2021 election.

May 2021: Hamas Fires Rockets, Operation Guardian of the Walls Initiated

In May 2021, following escalating tensions in Jerusalem, Hamas launched rockets into Israel from Gaza, prompting Netanyahu to initiate Operation Guardian of the Walls, which lasted eleven days.

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.

April 2023: Criminal Trial Ongoing

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

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 the systems could fall into Iranian hands and be reverse engineered for use against Israel.

October 2023: Criticism and Protests Against Netanyahu

In October 2023, Netanyahu faced criticism for Israel's intelligence failure and public protests calling for his removal. A poll indicated that 56% of Israelis believed he must resign after the war, with 86% holding the leadership responsible for security failings. He was also accused of using "dangerous rhetoric" by comparing Hamas to Amalek.

October 2023: Israel Enters War Against Hamas After Surprise Attack

On October 7, 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 and urged Gaza residents to evacuate.

November 2023: Netanyahu Rejects Ceasefire Calls

In November 2023, Netanyahu rejected calls for a ceasefire in the war with Hamas, asserting that Israel would "stand firm against the world if necessary" and maintain its presence in Gaza as long as required.

December 2023: Criticism and Accusations Against Netanyahu

In December 2023, Netanyahu faced criticism from released hostages and was accused of prioritizing politics over their return. He also suggested supporting the "voluntary migration" of Palestinians from Gaza and was accused of genocide, leading to the South Africa v. Israel case before the International Court of Justice.

December 2023: Accused of genocide in Gaza

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

2023: Judicial reform protests

In early 2023, Netanyahu's coalition pursued judicial reform, which was met with large-scale protests.

May 2024: ICC Prosecutor Seeks Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu

In May 2024, Karim Khan, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, announced his intention to apply for an arrest warrant for Netanyahu on allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

July 2024: Netanyahu Addresses US Congress Amid Protests

In July 2024, Netanyahu addressed a joint session of the United States Congress to seek support for the Gaza war amidst widespread protests. He also met with Donald Trump and criticized Kamala Harris.

July 2024: Pakistan designates Netanyahu a "terrorist"

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

October 2024: Survived assassination attempt and ordered invasion of Lebanon

In October 2024, Netanyahu survived an assassination attempt and ordered an invasion of Lebanon with the goal of destroying Hezbollah's military capabilities.

October 2024: Drone Attack on Netanyahu's Residence

In October 2024, a drone attack believed to have originated from Lebanon targeted Netanyahu's residence in Caesarea. Netanyahu was not present during the attack, and no casualties were reported. He accused Hezbollah of attempted assassination.

November 2024: Netanyahu Fires Defense Minister and ICC Issues Arrest Warrants

In November 2024, Netanyahu fired Defense Minister Gallant, triggering protests. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, and Hamas commander Mohammed Deif for alleged war crimes during the Gaza war. Netanyahu dismissed the ruling as "absurd and false lies" and "antisemitic".

November 2024: ICC arrest warrant issued

In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity as part of the ICC investigation in Palestine.

2024: Strained Relationship with Biden Over Rafah

During Spring 2024, the relationship between Netanyahu and U.S. President Joe Biden became strained over Israel's Rafah offensive.

March 2025: Israel Attacks Gaza and Netanyahu Fires Shin Bet Chief

In March 2025, Israel launched a surprise attack on the Gaza Strip, ending the ceasefire, and Netanyahu's corruption trial was postponed. He also fired Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, who accused the government of investigating Qatar's involvement in the Prime Minister's Office.

May 2025: Netanyahu on Forced Emigration of Palestinians

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, citing the dismantling of Iran's nuclear capabilities as the goal.