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 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

1978: Affair with Fleur Cates

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

1987: Jonathan Pollard's Espionage

In 1987, Jonathan Pollard, an American, was sentenced to life in prison for passing secret U.S. documents to Israel. Netanyahu would later unsuccessfully call for his early release.

1993: Confessed Affair

In 1993, Netanyahu confessed on live television to having an affair with Ruth Bar, his public relations adviser, following a threat to release compromising video footage. He and Sara repaired their marriage, and he was elected to the leadership of Likud.

1993: Netanyahu Argues Against Oslo Peace Process in "A Place Among the Nations"

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

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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: 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".

1998: Wye River Summit and Pollard

At the Wye River Summit in 1998, Netanyahu claimed that U.S. president Bill Clinton had privately agreed to release Jonathan Pollard, who was serving a life sentence for spying for Israel.

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.

2000: Case 2000

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 in exchange for more favorable political coverage.

2001: Netanyahu's Remarks on Oslo Peace Process

In 2001, Netanyahu, reportedly unaware he was being recorded, made remarks regarding the Oslo peace process.

September 2002: Netanyahu Lobbies for Invasion of Iraq in September 2002

On September 12, 2002, Netanyahu lobbied for the invasion of Iraq, testifying under oath before the U.S. House of Representatives Government Reform Committee regarding the alleged nuclear threat posed by the Iraqi régime. He stated that Saddam was seeking to develop nuclear weapons and guaranteed that removing Saddam's regime would have positive reverberations on the region.

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.

2002: Visit to Jonathan Pollard

In 2002, Netanyahu visited Jonathan Pollard at his North Carolina prison. He maintained contact with Pollard's wife and actively pressed the Obama administration for his release.

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.

March 2007: Netanyahu Compares Iran to Nazi Germany

In a March 2007 CNN interview, Netanyahu compared the Islamic Republic of Iran to Nazi Germany, stating the only difference was the order in which they sought atomic weapons and worldwide conflict.

April 2008: Netanyahu Repeats Comparison of Iran to Nazi Germany

In April 2008, Netanyahu repeated his remarks comparing Iran to Nazi Germany, emphasizing Iran's pursuit of atomic weapons.

2008: Opposition to the 2008 Israel–Hamas Ceasefire

In 2008, Netanyahu opposed the 2008 Israel–Hamas ceasefire, stating it was an Israeli agreement to the rearming of Hamas without sufficient returns for Israel.

January 2009: Netanyahu to Expand West Bank Settlements

In January 2009, Netanyahu informed Tony Blair that he would continue expanding West Bank settlements, but not building new ones.

August 2009: Netanyahu Promises Not to Repeat Gaza Pullout Mistake

On August 9, 2009, Netanyahu promised not to repeat the "mistake" of the Gaza pullout, stating that "the unilateral evacuation brought neither peace nor security. On the contrary".

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.

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.

2011: Sarkozy-Obama conversation

During the 2011 G-20 Cannes summit, then-French president Nicolas Sarkozy was overheard telling 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: Prisoner Swap for Gilad Shalit

In 2011, Netanyahu arranged for 1000 Hamas and Fatah prisoners to be swapped for Gilad Shalit, including terrorists with 'blood on their hands'.

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: Netanyahu uses Holocaust Remembrance Day to warn 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, saying he was following the example of Jewish leaders during World War II who struggled to raise the alarm about the Nazis' genocidal intentions. Israeli academic Avner Cohen accused Netanyahu of showing "contempt" for the Holocaust by putting it to "political use", and former Israeli foreign minister Shlomo Ben-Ami similarly condemned Netanyahu's "vulgar manipulation of the memory of the Holocaust". Immediately after the 2012 Burgas bus bombing, Netanyahu confirmed that the attack had been undertaken in coordination with Iran.

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".

2013: Netanyahu Denies Reports of Peace Talks on the Basis of the Green Line

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

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.

October 2014: Obama Administration Criticism

In October 2014, tensions between Netanyahu and the Obama administration escalated after a senior official of the Obama administration called Netanyahu "chickenshit." Observers characterized the relationship as having reached a crisis level by October 2014.

2014: Saeb Erekat Criticizes Netanyahu

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

March 2015: Netanyahu Addresses US Congress

In March 2015, Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United States Congress, marking his third speech to a joint session. The day before announcing he would address Congress, Time reported that he tried to derail a meeting between U.S. lawmakers and the head of Mossad, Tamir Pardo, who intended warning them against imposing further sanctions against Iran, a move that might derail nuclear talks.

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: 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.

2017: Netanyahu calls for death penalty in stabbing attack.

In 2017, Netanyahu called for the death penalty to be imposed on the perpetrator of the 2017 Halamish stabbing attack and representatives in his government introduced a bill allowing the death penalty for terrorism to the Knesset.

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".

April 2018: Erdoğan Calls Israel a Terror State

In April 2018, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called Israel a "terror state" and Netanyahu a "terrorist", further escalating tensions between the two leaders.

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.

November 2018: Indictment Recommended for Both Cases

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

2018: Case 4000 investigation

In 2018, Netanyahu was 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 early 2018, a crisis arose in Israel-Poland relations after Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki's controversial comment about Jewish perpetrators in the Holocaust. Netanyahu condemned the comment as "outrageous." The crisis was resolved in late June 2018 with a joint communiqué endorsing research into the Jewish Holocaust and condemning the misnomer "Polish concentration camps".

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.

March 2019: Netanyahu-Erdoğan Dispute

In March 2019, tensions escalated between Netanyahu and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan after Turkey denounced Netanyahu as a racist. Netanyahu responded by calling Erdoğan a dictator and mocking him for imprisoning journalists.

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: Netanyahu Supports Bolstering Hamas to Thwart Palestinian State

In 2019, Netanyahu said at a private Likud party meeting, "Anyone who wants to thwart the establishment of a Palestinian state has to support bolstering Hamas and transferring money to Hamas."

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.

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.

February 2023: Government Approves Legalization of Settler Outposts

In February 2023, Netanyahu's new government approved the legalization of nine settler outposts in the occupied West Bank. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich assumed control over most of the Civil Administration, gaining broad authority over civilian issues in the West Bank.

March 2023: Government Repeals 2005 Law on Settlements

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

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.

June 2023: Coalition Shortens Settlement Construction Approval Process

In June 2023, Netanyahu's coalition shortened the procedure for approving settlement construction and granted Finance Minister Smotrich the authority to approve one of the stages, altering a system that had been in place for 27 years.

September 2023: Netanyahu Backed Qatari Payments to Gaza

As late as September 2023, Netanyahu continued backing Qatari payments to Gaza, in response to Qatari questions.

October 2023: Criticism and Protests Against Netanyahu

In October 2023, 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.

December 2024: Directed an invasion of Syria

In December 2024, following the fall of the Assad regime, Netanyahu directed an invasion of Syria against the current Syrian government.

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.