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 an Israeli politician who currently serves as the prime minister of Israel (since 2022) and previously held the office twice (1996-1999, 2009-2021). As the longest-serving prime minister in Israeli history, he has held the position for a total of over 17 years. His political career has significantly shaped Israeli politics and foreign policy.
1992: Defeat of Likud Party
Following the defeat of the Likud party in the 1992 Israeli legislative elections, the party held a leadership election in 1993.
1993: Legal Precedent Set by Supreme Court
In 1993, legal precedent was set by the Israeli Supreme Court, which Netanyahu complied with in November 2019 by relinquishing his agriculture, health, social affairs and diaspora affairs portfolios.
January 1996: Assassination of Yahya Ayyash
In January 1996, the Shin Bet assassinated Hamas military leader Yahya Ayyash on January 5, 1996, leading to retaliatory attacks.
March 1996: Suicide Bombings
In March 1996, a wave of suicide bombings shortly before the elections caused a downfall of Shimon Peres.
July 1997: Mahane Yehuda market bombings
On July 30, 1997, Hamas bombers attacked Mahane Yehuda market, killing 21 Israelis.
September 1997: Mossad Attempt to Assassinate Khaled Mashal
In September 1997, Netanyahu authorized a Mossad operation to assassinate Hamas leader Khaled Mashal in Jordan. The attempt failed, leading to a diplomatic crisis and the release of Jordanian and Palestinian prisoners. The Mossad team entered Jordan on September 27, 1997.
September 1997: Ben Yehuda Street Bombings
On September 4, 1997, Hamas bombers attacked Ben Yehuda street, killing 21 Israelis.
1997: Police Recommendation for Indictment on Corruption Charges
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: Ansariya Ambush and Prisoner Exchange
In May 1998, Hezbollah ambushed IDF's Shayetet 13 in Ansariya, South Lebanon. On May 25, 1998, remains were exchanged for Lebanese prisoners and bodies of Hezbollah fighters.
1999: Defeat and Retirement from Politics
In 1999, Benjamin Netanyahu was defeated in the election, leading to his retirement from politics and entry into the private sector.
1999: Defeat in Election and Temporary Retirement
In 1999, after being defeated by Ehud Barak in the Israeli prime ministerial election, Netanyahu temporarily retired from politics.
1999: Police Recommendation to Try Netanyahu for Corruption
In 1999, the Israel Police recommended that Netanyahu be tried for corruption related to $100,000 in free services from a government contractor. Israel's attorney general did not prosecute, citing difficulties with evidence.
1999: Impact of Israeli Failures Against Hamas and Hezbollah
In 1999, the impact of 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 Involves Deal with Publisher Arnon Mozes
In 2000, Case 2000 involves alleged attempts 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 of Netanyahu.
September 2002: Speech Canceled Due to Protests in Montreal
On September 9, 2002, a scheduled speech by Netanyahu at Concordia University in Montreal was canceled after pro-Palestinian protesters overwhelmed security. Netanyahu accused the activists of supporting terrorism and "mad zealotry".
October 2002: Protests Met Netanyahu Outside his Heinz Hall Appearance in Pittsburgh
On October 1, 2002 around 200 protesters met Netanyahu outside his Heinz Hall appearance in Pittsburgh although Pittsburgh Police, Israeli security and a Pittsburgh SWAT unit allowed his speeches to continue downtown at the hall and the Duquesne Club as well as suburban Robert Morris University.
2004: Threat to Resign Over Gaza Pullout Plan
In 2004, Netanyahu threatened to resign from office unless the Gaza pullout plan was put to a referendum.
September 2005: Attempt to Hold Early Primaries
In September 2005, Netanyahu tried to hold early primaries for the head of the Likud party, but the party rejected the initiative.
September 2009: Settlement Construction Agreement
In September 2009, Netanyahu was reported to be in a pivotal moment over understandings that included a compromise over permission on continuing construction in the West Bank.
November 2009: Partial Settlement Freeze Plan
In November 2009, Netanyahu announced a partial 10-month settlement construction freeze plan in response to pressure from the Obama administration, though Palestinians rejected the gesture.
2009: Influx of African Migrants
Beginning in 2009 and continuing until 2013, approximately 60,000 people crossed into Israel from various African countries, leading to concerns from Netanyahu regarding the nation's social fabric and security.
2009: US Support for 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.
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.
May 2013: Conflicting Promises to Wultz Family and China
In May 2013, prior to a state visit to China, Netanyahu reportedly made conflicting promises regarding cooperation in the terror-financing case against Bank of China, creating a dilemma between commitments to the Wultz family and the Chinese government.
August 2013: Congressional Delegation to Israel
In August 2013, Ros-Lehtinen, chair of the House Middle East and South Asia subcommittee, raised the issue while leading a congressional delegation to Israel, stressing to Israeli officials the importance of them providing the Wultz family what they need for their lawsuit.
2013: Influx of African Migrants
Between 2009 and 2013, approximately 60,000 people crossed into Israel from various African countries. Netanyahu expressed concerns over the threat to the social fabric, national security, and national identity.
April 2014: Netanyahu criticizes Palestinian unity government
In April 2014, Netanyahu voiced strong concerns about the agreement and subsequent formation of a unity government between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, also criticizing the US and European governments for working with the coalition.
October 2014: Government Approves Privatization Plan and Criticizes Settlement Criticism
In October 2014, Netanyahu's government approved a privatization plan to reduce corruption and politicization, also that month, Netanyahu criticized American values, leading to a sharp rebuke from the White House.
October 2014: Obama Administration Official's Criticism
In October 2014, an Obama administration official called Netanyahu a "chickenshit" after Netanyahu accused President Obama of "acting contrary to American values".
November 2014: Strained Relationship with Obama Administration
By November 2014, the relationship between Netanyahu and the Obama administration had become so strained that Israel planned to wait until a new U.S. president was elected before attempting to repair it.
December 2014: Netanyahu Fired 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 setting the stage for new elections.
January 2015: Netanyahu Invited to Address US Congress
In January 2015, Netanyahu was invited to address the US Congress for the third time, and tried to derail a meeting between U.S. lawmakers and the head of Mossad.
March 2015: New elections expected
In March 2015, new elections are expected after the dissolution of the government on 2 December 2014.
March 2015: Reactions to Netanyahu's Speech
Leading up to the speech on 3 March 2015, Israeli consuls general in the United States expected a negative reaction from U.S. Jewish communities and Israel's allies due to the arrangement and timing of the speech.
August 2015: Government Approves Two-Year Budget
In August 2015, Netanyahu's government approved a two-year budget with plans for agricultural reforms, deregulation in construction, and reforms in the financial sector, although some agricultural reforms were later compromised.
October 2015: Netanyahu Claims Mufti Gave Hitler Idea for Holocaust
In October 2015, Netanyahu faced widespread criticism for claiming that the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Haj Amin al-Husseini, inspired Hitler to exterminate Jews, a claim dismissed by historians and criticized by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
2015: Comments on Palestinian State
In 2015, as election day approached, Netanyahu stated that a Palestinian state would not be established in his term, citing concerns about yielding territory to radical Islamic terrorists, but 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 the government's proposed steps to create non-Orthodox prayer space at the Western Wall.
December 2016: UN Resolution on Israeli Settlements
On 23 December 2016, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution calling for an end to Israeli settlements. The U.S. abstained from the vote. Netanyahu's office alleged that the Obama administration colluded with the UN against Israel.
December 2016: US Abstains from UN Security Council Resolution
On 23 December 2016, the United States abstained from United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, allowing it to pass, leading to criticism from Netanyahu.
January 2017: Israeli Government Withdraws Dues from the UN
On 6 January 2017, the Israeli government withdrew its annual dues, totaling $6 million, from the United Nations following criticism of Israel's settlement policies.
January 2017: Police Investigation into Cases 1000 and 2000
Since January 2017, Netanyahu has been under investigation and questioned by Israeli police in "Case 1000" and "Case 2000", involving allegations of inappropriate favors from businessmen and attempts to strike a deal for favorable media coverage.
August 2017: Police Confirm Netanyahu Suspected 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".
October 2017: Israel Announces Withdrawal from UNESCO
In October 2017, Netanyahu's government announced its decision to leave UNESCO, citing anti-Israel actions by the agency.
December 2017: Israel Officially Withdraws from UNESCO
In December 2017, the Israeli government officially notified UNESCO of its withdrawal, following the initial announcement in October 2017.
February 2018: Police Recommend Indicting Netanyahu for Corruption
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 two cases.
April 2018: Netanyahu Accuses Iran of Violating Nuclear Deal
On 30 April 2018, Netanyahu accused Iran of not upholding its end of the Iran nuclear deal, presenting a cache of documents detailing Iran's nuclear program; Iran dismissed the presentation as "propaganda".
July 2018: Knesset Passed the Nation-State Bill
On 19 July 2018, the Knesset passed the Nation-State Bill, a Basic Law supported by Netanyahu's coalition government.
November 2018: Recommendation to Indict for Both Cases
On 25 November 2018, Economic Crimes Division Director Liat Ben-Ari recommended indictment for both cases against Netanyahu.
2018: Start of Political Crisis
The 2018 Israeli political crisis began, leading to political instability.
February 2019: Attorney General Announces Intent to File Indictments
On 28 February 2019, the Israeli attorney general announced his intent to file indictments against Netanyahu on bribe and fraud charges in three different cases.
April 2019: Brokered deal with Otzma Yehudit party
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.
November 2019: Netanyahu Formally Indicted
Netanyahu was formally indicted on 21 November 2019, potentially facing up to 10 years in prison for bribery and three years for fraud and breach of trust, making him the first sitting prime minister in Israel's history to be charged with a crime.
2019: Indictment on Corruption Charges
In 2019, Benjamin Netanyahu was indicted on charges of breach of trust, bribery, and fraud.
January 2020: Trump's Frustration with Netanyahu
In January 2020, Trump became frustrated with Netanyahu's rhetoric regarding annexation of the Jordan Valley, and considered endorsing Benny Gantz, his political opponent.
January 2020: Netanyahu Officially Charged
Netanyahu was officially charged on 28 January 2020, following the announcement of intent to file indictments in February 2019 and the formal indictment in November 2019.
May 2020: Sworn in for fifth term as prime minister
In May 2020, Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in for a fifth term as prime minister in a coalition with Benny Gantz. This occurred against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic and Netanyahu's criminal trial, which led to demonstrations against him.
May 2020: Criminal Trial Set to Begin
Netanyahu's criminal trial was set to begin on 24 May 2020, after being delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Collapse of Rotation Agreement
In 2020, the rotation agreement between Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz collapsed.
June 2021: Removal from Premiership
In June 2021, Benjamin Netanyahu was removed from the premiership.
June 2021: Ousted as prime minister
In 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, initially set to begin in May 2020, was still ongoing.
October 2023: Criticism 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 increased opposition and calls for his resignation.
November 2023: Rejection of ceasefire calls
In November 2023, Netanyahu rejected calls for a ceasefire in the war, asserting Israel's resolve and its intention to remain in Gaza as long as necessary.
December 2023: Criticism during meeting with released hostages
In December 2023, Netanyahu faced criticism from 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.
December 2023: Accusation of Genocide in Gaza
In December 2023, Netanyahu's government faced accusations of genocide in Gaza, culminating in the South Africa v. Israel case before the International Court of Justice.
May 2024: ICC Prosecutor to apply for arrest warrant
In May 2024, Karim Khan, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, announced his intention to apply for an arrest warrant for Netanyahu on counts of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
October 2024: Invasion of Lebanon
In October 2024, Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an invasion of Lebanon.
October 2024: Drone attack on Netanyahu's residence
On October 19, 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.
November 2024: ICC Arrest Warrant
In November 2024, The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu along with others, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity as part of the ICC investigation in Palestine.
December 2024: Invasion of Syria
In December 2024, after the fall of the Assad regime, Benjamin Netanyahu directed an invasion of Syria against the Syrian opposition.
