Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Benjamin Netanyahu
Public opinion and media debates around Benjamin Netanyahu—discover key moments of controversy.
Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu is an Israeli politician and diplomat currently serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2022. He also held the position from 1996-1999 and 2009-2021. He is Israel's longest-serving prime minister.
1938: Analogy to 1938 and Nazi Germany
Netanyahu made remarks likening the situation with Iran to 1938 and Nazi Germany. He stated that Iran is like Germany in 1938 and is racing to arm itself with atomic bombs.
1978: Netanyahu began affair with Fleur Cates
In 1978, Netanyahu began an affair with a British student named Fleur Cates while his first wife was pregnant. His marriage ended in divorce soon after Miriam discovered the affair.
1993: Opposition to Oslo Accords in 'A Place Among the Nations'
In 1993, Netanyahu argued against the Oslo peace process in his book A Place Among the Nations, asserting that Amin al-Husseini had been a mastermind of the Holocaust.
1993: Netanyahu confesses to affair
In 1993, Netanyahu confessed on live television to having an affair with Ruth Bar, his public relations advisor, after a political rival allegedly threatened to release a compromising video.
1996: Opening of the Western Wall Tunnel exit
In 1996, Netanyahu and Jerusalem's mayor Ehud Olmert decided to open an exit in the Muslim Quarter for the Western Wall Tunnel, resulting in rioting and casualties.
1997: Police recommendation to indict Netanyahu on corruption charges
In 1997, police recommended that Netanyahu be indicted on corruption charges for influence-peddling, but prosecutors ruled that there was insufficient evidence to go to trial.
1999: Police recommendation to try Netanyahu for corruption
In 1999, the Israel Police recommended that Netanyahu be tried for corruption regarding free services from a government contractor, but the attorney general did not prosecute due to difficulties with evidence.
2000: Case 2000 Allegations
Netanyahu allegedly attempted in 2000 to strike a deal with the publisher of the Yedioth Ahronot newspaper group, Arnon Mozes, to promote legislation to weaken Yedioth's main competitor in exchange for more favorable political coverage. The case is called "Case 2000".
2001: Netanyahu's Remarks on Peace Process (Unbeknownst to Him)
In 2001, Netanyahu, seemingly unaware of being recorded, made remarks criticizing the peace process.
September 2002: Netanyahu lobbies for the invasion of Iraq
On 12 September 2002, Netanyahu lobbied for the invasion of Iraq, testifying before the U.S. House of Representatives about the alleged nuclear threat posed by Saddam Hussein.
September 2002: Speech cancellation at Concordia University
On 9 September 2002, Netanyahu's scheduled speech at Concordia University in Montreal was canceled due to pro-Palestinian protests.
2007: Comparison of Nazi Germany and Iran
In a 2007 interview, Netanyahu stated that the only difference between Nazi Germany and the Islamic Republic of Iran is that Germany sought atomic weapons after a worldwide conflict, while Iran is seeking atomic weapons first to start a world war.
2008: Repeating remarks on Iran
In 2008, Netanyahu repeated his remarks from 2007, drawing a comparison between Nazi Germany and Iran's pursuit of atomic weapons during a news conference.
January 2009: Continuation of West Bank Settlement Expansion
In January 2009, Netanyahu informed Middle East envoy Tony Blair that he would continue expanding West Bank settlements, in contravention of the Road Map, but not building new ones.
September 2009: Netanyahu Addresses UN General Assembly on Iranian Nuclear Threat
On September 24, 2009, Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly, asserting that Iran posed a threat to world peace and the UN must prevent it from obtaining nuclear weapons. Waving blueprints for Auschwitz, Netanyahu rebuked Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's questioning of the Holocaust.
2009: Migration into Israel from African countries
Between 2009 and 2013, approximately 60,000 people crossed into Israel from various African countries. Netanyahu stated that "this phenomenon is very grave and threatens the social fabric of society, our national security and our national identity."
March 2010: Israel Approves Construction in Jerusalem, Despite US Opposition
In March 2010, Israel's government approved construction of 1,600 apartments in Ramat Shlomo, a Jewish housing development in northeast Jerusalem, despite US opposition. The announcement occurred during a visit by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, prompting public condemnation from the US. Netanyahu defended the decision, stating it aligned with previous Israeli governments' policies.
2011: Sarkozy's remarks about Netanyahu overheard by Obama
During the 2011 G-20 Cannes summit, then-French president Nicolas Sarkozy was overheard saying to then-U.S. president Barack Obama, "I cannot bear Netanyahu, he's a liar", and Obama reportedly responded, "You're fed up with him, but I have to deal with him every day."
2011: Arranging prisoner swap for Gilad Shalit
In 2011, Netanyahu arranged for 1000 Hamas and Fatah prisoners, including terrorists, to be swapped for Gilad Shalit.
2012: Warning against Iranian nuclear bomb
Early in 2012, Netanyahu used the opening ceremony for Israel's Holocaust Remembrance Day to warn against the dangers of an Iranian nuclear bomb. Later in 2012, Immediately after the Burgas bus bombing, Netanyahu confirmed it had been undertaken in coordination with Iran.
2012: Passage of "Prevention of Infiltration Law"
In 2012, the Netanyahu government passed the "Prevention of Infiltration Law", which mandated automatic detention of all people, including asylum-seekers, who enter Israel without permission. Amnesty International criticized it as "an affront to international law".
October 2013: Praising Persian history and expressing concern over Iranian nuclear weapons
In an October 2013 interview, Netanyahu praised the history of Persia and stated that if the Iranian regime possesses nuclear weapons, the Iranian people will never be free from dictatorship and will live in eternal servitude.
2013: Response to Supreme Court ruling on "Prevention of Infiltration Law"
In 2013, when 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 legislation to work around the Supreme Court ruling.
June 2014: Netanyahu Criticizes Hamas-PA Unity Government and Launches Search Operation
In June 2014, Netanyahu voiced concerns about the Hamas and Palestinian Authority unity government, criticizing the US and European governments' decision to work with it. He blamed Hamas for the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers in June 2014, launching a massive search and arrest operation on the West Bank.
October 2014: Government Approves Privatization Plan and Faces Rebuke Over Settlement Criticism
In October 2014, Netanyahu's government approved a privatization plan. Also in October 2014, Netanyahu called criticism of settlements "against American values," which led to a rebuke from the White House, citing American funding and technology provided to Israel. Jeffrey Goldberg reported that relations between Netanyahu and the White House had deteriorated significantly.
October 2014: Obama administration official calls Netanyahu "chickenshit"
In October 2014, a senior Obama administration official reportedly called Netanyahu a "chickenshit" after Netanyahu accused President Obama of acting contrary to American values, leading to increased tensions and a crisis-level relationship between Netanyahu and the Obama administration.
March 2015: Netanyahu Addresses United States Congress Amid Controversy
In March 2015, Benjamin Netanyahu delivered his third speech to a joint session of the United States Congress. Leading up to the speech, there were objections, including the arrangement of the speech without the support of the Obama administration and its timing before Israel's March 2015 election.
October 2015: Netanyahu's controversial claim about al-Husseini and Hitler
In October 2015, Netanyahu stated that the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Haj Amin al-Husseini, gave Adolf Hitler the idea of exterminating Jews during the Second World War. This claim is dismissed by most historians, as al-Husseini's meeting with Hitler took place approximately five months after the mass murder of Jews began. Israeli academics Yehuda Bauer and Moshe Zimmermann strongly criticized Netanyahu's statement.
2015: Mossad's assessment on Iran's uranium enrichment
According to cables leaked in 2015, Mossad's assessment at the time was that Iran did not appear ready to enrich uranium to levels required for a nuclear bomb.
December 2016: UN Security Council Resolution 2334 and Criticism from John Kerry
On 23 December 2016, the United States, under the Obama Administration, abstained from United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, effectively allowing it to pass. On 28 December, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry strongly criticized Israel and its settlement policies in a speech. Netanyahu strongly criticized both the UN Resolution and Kerry's speech in response.
December 2016: UN Security Council passes resolution
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 under the Obama administration. President-elect Trump attempted to intervene at the behest of the Netanyahu government.
January 2017: Israel Withdraws Annual 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, following criticism of the UN and its resolution.
January 2017: Investigations Begin in Cases 1000 and 2000
Since January 2017, Netanyahu has been investigated by Israeli police in two connected cases, "Case 1000" and "Case 2000". In Case 1000, Netanyahu is suspected of having obtained inappropriate favors from businessmen, including James Packer and Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan. 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 in exchange for more favorable political coverage.
August 2017: Police Confirm Netanyahu Suspected of Crimes; Ari Harow to Testify
In August 2017, Israeli police confirmed 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.
October 2017: Government Announces Withdrawal from UNESCO
In October 2017, shortly after the US 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 the initial announcement made in October 2017.
2017: Call for Death Penalty in Halamish Stabbing Attack
In 2017, Netanyahu called for the death penalty for the perpetrator of the 2017 Halamish stabbing attack and representatives introduced a bill which would allow the death penalty for terrorism.
2017: Presentation of Fake Video to Trump Regarding Abbas
In 2017, former US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson stated that Netanyahu showed Trump a fake video of Palestinian president Abbas calling for the killing of children in an attempt to change Trump's position in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
February 2018: Police Recommend Indictment on Corruption Charges
In February 2018, Israeli police recommended that Netanyahu be charged with corruption. According to a police statement, sufficient evidence exists to indict the prime minister on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in Cases 1000 and 2000. Netanyahu responded that the allegations were baseless and that he would continue as prime minister.
April 2018: Netanyahu Accuses Iran of Violating Nuclear Deal
In April 2018, Netanyahu accused Iran of not holding up its end of the Iran nuclear deal after presenting a cache of over 100,000 documents detailing the extent of Iran's nuclear program. Iran denounced Netanyahu's presentation as "propaganda".
April 2018: Erdoğan calls Israel a "terror state"
In April 2018, Turkish President Erdoğan escalated tensions by calling Israel a "terror state" and Netanyahu a "terrorist".
July 2018: Knesset Passes Nation-State Bill
In July 2018, the Knesset passed the Nation-State Bill, a Basic Law supported by Netanyahu's coalition government. Analysts saw the bill as a sign of Netanyahu's coalition advancing a right-wing agenda.
November 2018: Recommendation for Indictment in Cases 1000 and 2000
In November 2018, it was reported that Economic Crimes Division Director Liat Ben-Ari recommended indictment for Netanyahu in Cases 1000 and 2000.
2018: Investigation in Case 4000
In 2018 Netanyahu was also investigated in "Case 4000", where he was suspected of giving regulatory favors to Shaul Elovitch, owner of Bezeq telecommunication company, in exchange for positive publications in news website Walla!.
2018: Crisis in Israel-Poland relations
In 2018, Netanyahu condemned Polish prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki's comment that Jews were among the Holocaust's perpetrators as "outrageous." The resulting crisis in Israel–Poland relations was resolved in late June that year when the two prime ministers issued a joint communiqué.
2018: Preliminary Vote in Favor of Death Penalty for Terrorism
In a preliminary vote in 2018, 52 of 120 members of parliament voted in favor of a bill to make it easier for judges to hand down the death penalty for terrorism.
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 Cases 1000, 2000 and 4000.
April 2019: Deal to Unite Jewish Home Party with 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 motivation of the deal was to overcome the electoral threshold for smaller 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 21 November 2019. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison for bribery and a maximum of three years for fraud and breach of trust. He is the first sitting prime minister in Israel's history to be charged with a crime. On 23 November 2019, it was announced that Netanyahu would relinquish his agriculture, health, social affairs and diaspora affairs portfolios.
2019: Netanyahu Indicted on Corruption Charges
In 2019, Benjamin 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 28 January 2020, Netanyahu was officially charged in the corruption cases against him.
May 2020: Criminal Trial Set to Begin
Netanyahu's criminal trial was set to begin on 24 May 2020, having been initially scheduled for March of that year but delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 2020: Sworn in for Fifth Term Amidst 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, protests broke out against him in front of the prime minister's residence. Following this, Netanyahu ordered to disperse the demonstrations using COVID-19 special regulations, limiting them to 20 people and at a distance of 1,000 meters from their homes. However, the exact opposite was achieved; the demonstrations were enlarged and dispersed to over 1,000 centers.
2020: Praising U.S. airstrike that killed Qasem Soleimani
In 2020, Netanyahu praised the U.S. Baghdad International Airport airstrike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, stating that Trump acted "swiftly, forcefully and decisively".
2022: Positive description of Vladimir Putin in Netanyahu's 2022 book
In his 2022 book, Netanyahu wrote positively about Russian president Vladimir Putin, describing him as "smart, sophisticated and focused on one goal – returning Russia to its historical greatness".
2022: Increased Settlement Construction
In its first six months, construction of 13,000 housing units in settlements, almost triple the amount advanced in the whole of 2022.
February 2023: Legalization of Settler Outposts
In February 2023, the 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.
April 2023: Criminal Trial Ongoing
As of April 2023, Netanyahu's criminal trial was still ongoing.
September 2023: Continuation of Qatari Transfers to Gaza
As late as September 2023, Netanyahu continued backing Qatari transfers of money to Gaza.
October 2023: Israel Enters War Against Hamas
On 7 October 2023, after Palestinian militants from Gaza launched a major surprise attack, Netanyahu announced that Israel would enter a war against Hamas. He threatened severe retaliation and called Gaza "the city of evil", urging its residents to "leave now".
December 2023: Accusation of genocide in Gaza at the International Court of Justice
In December 2023, Israel under Netanyahu was accused of committing genocide in Gaza in the South Africa v. Israel case before the International Court of Justice.
December 2023: Criticism during meeting with released Israeli hostages
In December 2023, Netanyahu faced criticism during a meeting with released Israeli hostages, with one accusing him of prioritizing politics over the hostages' return. He also advocated for the "voluntary migration" of Palestinians from Gaza.
December 2023: South Africa v. Israel case before the International Court of Justice
In December 2023, Netanyahu's government faced the South Africa v. Israel case before the International Court of Justice, regarding the genocide in Gaza.
2023: Criticism and Protests Following Hamas Attack
In 2023 Netanyahu was criticized for presiding over Israel's biggest intelligence failure in 50 years, and has faced protests calling for his removal. The war led to increased opposition to Netanyahu due to failure to anticipate the Hamas-led attack, with increased calls for Netanyahu's resignation. A 2023 poll showed that 56% of Israelis believed Netanyahu must resign after the war, with 86% holding the country's leadership responsible for the security failings that led to the attack.
2023: Judicial Reform Protests
In early 2023, Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition pursued judicial reform, which was met with large-scale protests.
May 2024: International Criminal Court Prosecutor Seeks 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.
July 2024: Address to United States Congress Amidst Protests
In July 2024, Netanyahu addressed a joint session of the United States Congress, amidst widespread protest, to solicit support for the Gaza war. He called protesters "useful idiots" and pledged a "total victory" in Gaza. He also met with Donald Trump and criticized Kamala Harris.
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, 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 (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity as part of the ICC investigation in Palestine.
November 2024: Firing of Defense Minister and ICC Arrest Warrants
On 5 November 2024, Netanyahu fired defense minister Gallant. On 21 November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, and Hamas commander Mohammed Deif for alleged war crimes, which Netanyahu described as "absurd and false lies" and "antisemitic".
December 2024: Invasion of Syria
After the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, Netanyahu directed an invasion of Syria.
2024: Pakistan Designates Netanyahu as a "Terrorist"
In 2024, Pakistan officially designated Netanyahu a "terrorist", holding him responsible for atrocities in Gaza.
March 2025: Surprise Attack on Gaza and Postponement of Corruption Trial
On the night of 18 March 2025, Israel launched a surprise attack on the Gaza Strip, ending the January 2025 ceasefire. Netanyahu's corruption trial was postponed as a result of the attacks. In March 2025, he fired Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar.
August 2025: Statement on "Historic and Spiritual Mission" and Greater Israel
In August 2025, Netanyahu stated in an interview that he was on a "historic and spiritual mission" and strongly supported the vision of Greater Israel, encompassing Palestinian territories and other Arab states.
November 2025: Netanyahu Requests Presidential Pardon
On 30 November 2025, Netanyahu formally asked for a pardon from president Isaac Herzog.
2025: Shin Beth Investigation into Ties with Qatar
In 2025, Shin Beth started an investigation into the alleged ties between Netanyahu's advisors and Qatar.
February 2026: Air Campaign Against Iran
In February 2026, Benjamin Netanyahu launched a major air campaign against Iran, alongside the US, with the stated goal of regime change, beginning the 2026 Iran war.
February 2026: Major Military Offensive Launched Against Iran
In February 2026, Israel and the United States launched a major military offensive against Iran with the stated goal of inducing regime change, reportedly at Netanyahu's urging of U.S. President Donald Trump.
February 2026: Summoned for Questioning in Classified Document Leak Investigation
In February 2026, the Attorney General and Cabinet Legal Advisor of Israel summoned Netanyahu to provide explanations to the police regarding an investigation into the leak of classified documents to the German newspaper Bild. The case reportedly concerns attempts to obstruct investigations into the leak of sensitive Israeli documents. Previously, Netanyahu's chief of staff, Tzachi Braverman, was arrested on suspicion of attempting to impede the investigative process regarding the leak to foreign media.
March 2026: False reports of Netanyahu's death
In March 2026, Netanyahu was falsely reported as dead, and he subsequently posted a video mocking the claims.
March 2026: Statement on Israeli Soldiers Accused of Sexual Assault
In March 2026, after Israel dropped charges against Israeli soldiers accused of sexual assault at the Sde Teiman torture camp, Netanyahu stated that "Israel must pursue its enemies – not its heroic fighters".
March 2026: Support of bill Approving Death Penalty
On 30 March 2026, Netanyahu went to the Knesset to be physically present to vote in support of the bill approving the application of the death penalty by hanging for Palestinians in the West Bank convicted of terrorism.
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