Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Benjamin Netanyahu

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Benjamin Netanyahu

Public opinion and media debates around Benjamin Netanyahu—discover key moments of controversy.

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.

1938: Remarks comparing Iran to Nazi Germany

In April 2008, Netanyahu repeated his remarks comparing Iran to Nazi Germany, similar to earlier remarks that it's 1938, and Iran is Germany, and Iran is racing to arm itself with atomic bombs.

1978: Affair with Fleur Cates begins

In 1978, while Miriam Weizmann was pregnant, Benjamin Netanyahu began an affair with Fleur Cates, a British student, at the university library.

1993: Confession of affair with Ruth Bar

In 1993, Benjamin Netanyahu confessed on live television to having an affair with Ruth Bar, his public relations adviser, after being threatened with the release of a compromising video.

1993: Opposition to Oslo Accords in "A Place Among the Nations"

In 1993, Netanyahu dedicated a chapter, entitled "Trojan Horse", of his book A Place Among the Nations to argue against the Oslo peace process.

Place Among the Nations, A
Place Among the Nations, A

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.

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.

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.

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.

2000: Lawsuit filed by families of American victims

In 2000, families of American victims of the Hamas attacks filed a lawsuit against Syrian Minister of Defense Mustafa Tlass, Ghazi Kanaan, and Iranian Minister of Intelligence Ali Fallahian.

2001: Netanyahu's Views on Peace Process Revealed in Video

In a 2001 video, Netanyahu, reportedly unaware he was being recorded, shared his views on the peace process.

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.

March 2007: Comparing Iran to Nazi Germany

In March 2007, opposition leader Netanyahu claimed that the only difference between Nazi Germany and the Islamic Republic of Iran is that Nazi Germany entered a worldwide conflict before seeking atomic weapons, while Iran is seeking atomic weapons first and then will start a world war.

April 2008: Repeating comparison of Iran to Nazi Germany

In April 2008, Netanyahu repeated his remarks comparing Iran to Nazi Germany, similar to earlier remarks that it's 1938, and Iran is Germany, and Iran is racing to arm itself with atomic bombs.

2008: Opposition to Israel-Hamas Ceasefire

In 2008, Netanyahu opposed the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, expressing concerns about the rearming of Hamas.

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: 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.

June 2009: Bar-Ilan University Speech

On 14 June 2009, ten days after Obama's Cairo speech, Netanyahu gave a speech at Bar-Ilan University in which he endorsed a "Demilitarized Palestinian State", though said that Jerusalem must remain the unified capital of Israel.

September 2009: Settlement Construction Compromise

In September 2009, it was reported that Netanyahu was to agree to settlers' political demands to approve more settlement constructions before a temporary settlement freeze agreement took place.

September 2009: UN General Assembly Address

On 24 September 2009, in an address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Netanyahu said Iran poses a threat to the peace of the world and that it is incumbent on the world body to prevent the Islamic Republic from obtaining nuclear weapons.

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.

September 2009: Addressing the UN General Assembly on the threat of Iran

Speaking before the UN General Assembly in New York on September 24, 2009, Netanyahu expressed a different opinion than Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's speech at the forum, saying those who believe Tehran is a threat only to Israel are wrong and that the Iranian regime is fueled by extreme fundamentalism.

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: 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.

2011: Sarkozy and Obama's comments about Netanyahu

During the 2011 G-20 Cannes summit, then-French president Nicolas Sarkozy was overheard calling Netanyahu a "liar" to then-U.S. president Barack Obama, who acknowledged the difficulty of dealing with him.

2011: Prisoner swap for Gilad Shalit

In 2011, Netanyahu arranged for 1000 Hamas and Fatah prisoners, including terrorists, to be swapped for Gilad Shalit.

May 2012: Netanyahu recognizes Palestinian right to a state

In May 2012, Benjamin 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.

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.

2012: Warning against Iranian nuclear bomb at Holocaust Remembrance Day

In early 2012, during Israel's Holocaust Remembrance Day opening ceremony, Netanyahu warned against the dangers of an Iranian nuclear bomb. He drew parallels to Jewish leaders during World War II. This comparison was criticized by Israeli academic Avner Cohen and former foreign minister Shlomo Ben-Ami. Immediately after the 2012 Burgas bus bombing, Netanyahu confirmed that the attack had been undertaken in coordination with Iran.

May 2013: Conflicting commitments to Wultz family and China

In May 2013, Netanyahu reportedly made conflicting promises to the family of terror victim Daniel Wultz and the Government of China regarding cooperation in the terror-financing case against Bank of China in U.S. District Court.

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.

April 2014: Netanyahu expresses concern over Hamas-Palestinian Authority agreement

In April 2014, Netanyahu voiced his concerns regarding the agreement between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority to form a unity government, criticizing the decision of the United States and European governments to work with the Palestinian coalition government.

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 large-scale search and arrest operation in the West Bank and strikes on targets in Gaza.

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: 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: 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.

October 2017: Israel announces departure from UNESCO

On 12 October 2017, shortly after the United States announced the same action, Netanyahu's government announced it was leaving UNESCO due to what it saw as anti-Israel actions by the agency.

December 2017: Israel officially notifies UNESCO of withdrawal

In December 2017, the Israeli government officially notified UNESCO of its withdrawal from the organization, following an initial announcement in October 2017.

2017: Calling for death penalty in Halamish stabbing attack

In 2017, Netanyahu called for the death penalty to be imposed on the perpetrator of the 2017 Halamish stabbing attack.

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.

April 2018: Erdoğan refers to Israel as a 'terror state'

In April 2018, Turkish President Erdoğan referred to Israel as a "terror state" and Netanyahu as a "terrorist".

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 after presenting documents detailing Iran's nuclear program.

July 2018: Knesset Passes Nation-State Bill

On 19 July 2018, the Knesset passed the Nation-State Bill, a Basic Law supported by Netanyahu's coalition government, which analysts viewed as a sign of the coalition advancing a right-wing agenda.

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: Crisis in Israel-Poland relations

In early 2018, Netanyahu criticized Polish prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki's comment about Jewish perpetrators in the Holocaust as "outrageous." The crisis in Israel–Poland relations was resolved in late June 2018 with a joint communiqué endorsing Holocaust research and condemning "Polish concentration camps".

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.

March 2019: Exchange with Turkish President Erdoğan

In March 2019, Netanyahu called Erdoğan a dictator and mocked him, after Turkey denounced Netanyahu as a racist. In response, Erdoğan called Netanyahu "the thief who heads Israel".

April 2019: Brokered Deal with Otzma Yehudit

In April 2019, prior to the Israeli legislative election, Netanyahu brokered a deal uniting the Jewish Home party with the far-right Otzma Yehudit party to form the Union of the Right-Wing Parties, with the aim of overcoming the electoral threshold for smaller parties. This deal faced media criticism due to Otzma's widely characterized racist views and extremist origins.

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: 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.

May 2021: Operation Guardian of the Walls Initiated

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

February 2023: Legalization of Settler Outposts Approved

In February 2023, Netanyahu's new government approved the legalization of nine settler outposts in the occupied West Bank. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich took charge of most of the Civil Administration, obtaining broad authority over civilian issues in the West Bank. Israeli peace groups condemned the move as de jure annexation of the occupied territories.

March 2023: Repeal of 2005 Law on Settlements

In March 2023, Netanyahu's government repealed a 2005 law whereby four Israeli settlements, Homesh, Sa-Nur, Ganim and Kadim, were dismantled as part of the Israeli disengagement from Gaza.

April 2023: Criminal Trial Ongoing

As of April 2023, Netanyahu's criminal trial was still ongoing, indicating a prolonged legal process.

June 2023: Settlement Construction Procedures Shortened

In June 2023, Netanyahu's coalition shortened the procedure of approving settlement construction and gave Finance Minister Smotrich the authority to approve one of the stages, changing the system operating for the last 27 years. In its first six months, construction of 13,000 housing units in settlements, almost triple the amount advanced in the whole of 2022.

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.

July 2024: Addressed US Congress Amid Protests and Met with Donald Trump

On 24 July 2024, Netanyahu addressed another joint session of the United States Congress amidst widespread protest to solicit support for the Gaza war, calling protesters "useful idiots" and pledging a "total victory" in Gaza. On the same day, he met with 2024 Republican nominee for president Donald Trump in Florida at his Mar-a-Lago residence where he criticized presumptive Democratic nominee for President Kamala Harris for vowing that she "will not be silent" about 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.