Early Life and Education of Benjamin Netanyahu: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

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.

Sections (6)

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

1910: Birth of Benzion Netanyahu

In 1910, Benzion Netanyahu, Benjamin Netanyahu's father, was born.

1912: Birth of Netanyahu's mother

In 1912, Tzila (Cela; née Segal), Benjamin Netanyahu's mother, was born in Petah Tikva, then in Ottoman Palestine, now Israel.

1912: Birth of Tzila Segal

In 1912, Tzila Segal, Benjamin Netanyahu's mother, was born.

1948: Establishment of the State of Israel

Benjamin Netanyahu became the first Israeli prime minister to be born in the State of Israel after its founding in 1948.

October 1949: Benjamin Netanyahu's Birth

In October 1949, Benjamin Netanyahu was born. He is an Israeli politician who has served multiple terms as Prime Minister of Israel.

1949: Birth in Tel Aviv

In 1949, Benjamin Netanyahu was born in Tel Aviv.

1956: Family moves to the United States

Between 1956 and 1958, Benjamin Netanyahu's family lived in the United States in Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania, while his father taught at Dropsie College.

1958: Family resides in the United States

Between 1956 and 1958, Benjamin Netanyahu's family lived in the United States in Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania, while his father taught at Dropsie College.

1963: Family resides in the United States

From 1963 to 1967, Benjamin Netanyahu's family lived in the United States in Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania, while his father Benzion Netanyahu taught at Dropsie College.

1967: Graduation from High School

In 1967, Benjamin Netanyahu graduated from Cheltenham High School in Pennsylvania.

1967: Returns to Israel and Joins the Israel Defense Forces

In 1967, Benjamin Netanyahu returned to Israel to join the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). He served in the Sayeret Matkal special forces unit as a captain.

1967: Enlists in the Israel Defense Forces

In 1967, after graduating from high school, Benjamin Netanyahu returned to Israel to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces.

1967: Celebrating the exodus of African Hebrew Israelites from America to Israel

Netanyahu supports the integration of the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem into Israeli society, and takes part in celebrations in honor of this community's "exodus" from America to Israel, which occurred in 1967.

March 1968: Participates in the Battle of Karameh

In March 1968, Benjamin Netanyahu took part in the Battle of Karameh, when the IDF attacked Jordan.

May 1972: Rescue of Sabena Flight 571

In May 1972, Benjamin Netanyahu was involved in the rescue of the hijacked Sabena Flight 571, during which he was shot in the shoulder.

1972: Netanyahu and Weizmann move to the United States

In 1972, Benjamin Netanyahu and Miriam Weizmann moved to the United States to study, with Netanyahu at MIT and Weizmann at Brandeis University.

1972: Returns to the United States

In 1972, Benjamin Netanyahu returned to the United States after his military service. He later graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

1972: Returns to the United States to study at MIT

In late 1972, Benjamin Netanyahu returned to the United States to study architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

October 1973: Serves in the Yom Kippur War

In October 1973, Benjamin Netanyahu returned to Israel to serve in the Yom Kippur War, participating in special forces raids.

February 1975: Completes bachelor's degree in architecture

In February 1975, under the name Ben Nitay, Benjamin Netanyahu completed a bachelor's degree in architecture from MIT.

1976: Joins the Boston Consulting Group

In 1976, Benjamin Netanyahu became an economic consultant for the Boston Consulting Group in Boston, Massachusetts.

1976: Earns master's degree from MIT Sloan School of Management

In 1976, Benjamin Netanyahu earned a master's degree from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

1976: Death of Yonatan Netanyahu

In 1976, Benjamin Netanyahu's older brother, Yonatan Netanyahu, was killed during the Operation Thunderbolt hostage-rescue mission at Entebbe Airport in Uganda.

1976: Working as an economic consult for Boston Consulting Group

In 1976, while working as an economic consultant for Boston Consulting Group, Netanyahu developed his views on capitalism after observing the challenges faced by governments in Europe due to concentrations of power that prevented competition.

April 1978: Birth of daughter Noa

On April 29, 1978, Benjamin Netanyahu and Miriam Weizmann had a daughter, Noa.

1978: Leaves Boston Consulting Group

Between 1976 and 1978, Benjamin Netanyahu worked for the Boston Consulting Group before he left in 1978.

1978: Founds the Yonatan Netanyahu Anti-Terror Institute

In 1978, Benjamin Netanyahu moved back to Israel and founded the Yonatan Netanyahu Anti-Terror Institute, named after his brother.

1978: Returns to Israel

In 1978, Benjamin Netanyahu returned to Israel and ran the Jonathan Netanyahu Anti-Terror Institute.

1978: Appears on Boston Local Television

In 1978, using the name "Ben Nitai," Benjamin Netanyahu appeared on Boston local television to discuss the Arab-Israeli conflict.

1980: Director of marketing for Rim Industries

From 1980 to 1982, Benjamin Netanyahu was the director of marketing for Rim Industries in Jerusalem.

1981: Marriage to Fleur Cates

In 1981, Benjamin Netanyahu married Fleur Cates, who converted to Judaism.

1982: End of term at Rim Industries

From 1980 to 1982, Benjamin Netanyahu was the director of marketing for Rim Industries in Jerusalem, until 1982.

1982: Deputy Chief of Mission at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C.

In 1982, Benjamin Netanyahu was appointed as Deputy Chief of Mission at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., while Moshe Arens was ambassador to the United States.

1984: Appointed Israel's ambassador to the United Nations

Between 1984 and 1988, Benjamin Netanyahu served as Israel's ambassador to the United Nations.

1988: End of term as ambassador to the UN

Between 1984 and 1988, Benjamin Netanyahu served as Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, until 1988.

1988: Divorce from Fleur Cates

In 1988, after moving with Benjamin Netanyahu to Israel, Fleur Cates sued for divorce.

1988: Joins the Likud party

Prior to the 1988 Israeli legislative election, Benjamin Netanyahu returned to Israel and joined the Likud party. He was later elected as a Knesset member.

July 1991: Birth of son Yair

On July 26, 1991, Benjamin Netanyahu and Sara Ben-Artzi had a son named Yair.

1991: Principal spokesman for Israel during the Gulf War

During the Gulf War in early 1991, the English-fluent Benjamin Netanyahu emerged as the principal spokesman for Israel in media interviews.

1992: Defeat of the Likud party in elections

Following the defeat of the Likud party in the 1992 Israeli legislative elections, Yitzhak Shamir retired from politics shortly after.

1993: Election as chair of Likud

In 1993, Benjamin Netanyahu rose to prominence after being elected as the chair of Likud, becoming the leader of the opposition.

1993: Legal Precedent Set by Israeli Supreme Court

In 1993, legal precedent was set by the Israeli Supreme Court, which was later referenced on 23 November 2019 when it was announced that Netanyahu, in compliance with this legal precedent, would relinquish his agriculture, health, social affairs and diaspora affairs portfolios.

1993: Victory in Likud party leadership election

In 1993, the Likud party held a party leadership election, and Benjamin Netanyahu was victorious, defeating Benny Begin and David Levy.

October 1994: Birth of son Avner

On October 10, 1994, Benjamin Netanyahu and Sara Ben-Artzi had a son named Avner.

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.

May 1996: Wins the 1996 Israeli Legislative Election

On May 29, 1996, Benjamin Netanyahu won the 1996 Israeli legislative election, becoming the youngest person in the history of the position and the first Israeli prime minister to be born in the State of Israel.

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.

1996: Impact of Hamas attacks on Israeli election

In 1996, the campaign of massive retaliation by Hamas and the failure of Israeli intelligence services to prevent it contributed to the defeat of Prime Minister Shimon Peres and the Israeli Labor Party in the Israeli general election, leading to the victory of Netanyahu's Likud party.

1996: Election as Prime Minister

In the 1996 general election, Benjamin Netanyahu became the first Israeli prime minister elected directly by popular vote, and also its youngest.

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: 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.

May 1998: Hezbollah ambush on IDF Shayetet 13 in Ansariya

On May 25, 1998, the remains of Itamar Ilyah and body parts of other soldiers killed in the Ansariya ambush were exchanged for Lebanese prisoners and the bodies of Hezbollah fighters, including Hadi Nasrallah, the son of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah. Netanyahu described it as "one of the worst tragedies that has ever occurred to us".

1999: Defeat in election and retirement from politics

In the 1999 election, Benjamin Netanyahu was defeated and subsequently retired from politics, entering the private sector.

2003: Diagnosis of right bundle branch block

Around 2003, Benjamin Netanyahu began suffering from right bundle branch block (RBBB).

2005: Returns to lead Likud

In 2005, Benjamin Netanyahu returned to lead Likud.

2006: Leader of the Opposition

Between 2006 and 2009, Benjamin Netanyahu was the leader of the opposition.

2008: Colon Polyp Removal

In the first half of 2008, doctors removed a small, benign colon polyp from Netanyahu.

2009: Becomes Prime Minister Again

After the 2009 legislative election, Benjamin Netanyahu formed a coalition with other right-wing parties and became prime minister again.

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.

October 2012: Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu merge

On 25 October 2012, Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman announced that their respective political parties, Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu, had merged and would run together on a single ballot in Israel's 22 January 2013 general elections.

2012: Expressing appreciation towards the Hebrew Israelite community

In 2012, Netanyahu expressed appreciation towards the cooperative society that is working towards the inclusion of the Hebrew Israelite community in Israeli society at large and declared that their experience is an integral part of the Israeli experience.

2013: Victory in elections

In 2013, Benjamin Netanyahu led Likud to victory in the elections.

2013: Netanyahu forms new coalition government

In 2013, despite his Likud Beiteinu coalition returning with fewer seats, Israeli president Shimon Peres charged Netanyahu with forming the Thirty-third government of Israel. The new coalition included the Yesh Atid, The Jewish Home and Hatnuah parties and excludes the ultra-Orthodox parties.

May 2015: Netanyahu Announces Bid for Fifth Term

On 28 May 2015, Netanyahu announced that he would be running for an unprecedented fifth term as prime minister in the next general election.

2015: Victory in elections

In 2015, Benjamin Netanyahu led Likud to victory in the elections.

2015: Response to Ethiopian Jewish protests against police brutality

In 2015, after Ethiopian Jewish protests against police brutality, Netanyahu pledged a comprehensive plan to assist them and condemned racism and discrimination.

2016: Closeness to Donald Trump

From 2016, Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized his closeness to Donald Trump, a friend since the 1980s, as central to his political appeal.

February 2017: Netanyahu visits Australia

On 22 February 2017, Netanyahu became the first serving prime minister of Israel to visit Australia, accompanied by his wife, Sara. Bilateral agreements were scheduled to be signed with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

2018: Start of Israeli political crisis

The 2018–2022 Israeli political crisis led to a rotation agreement between Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz.

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.

2020: Collapse of rotation agreement

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

March 2021: Election

In March 2021, an election occurred in Israel following the collapse of the rotation agreement between Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz.

June 2021: Removal from Premiership

In June 2021, Benjamin Netanyahu was removed from the position of Prime Minister.

2022: Returns to premiership

After the 2022 election, Benjamin Netanyahu returned to the premiership.

July 2023: Pacemaker implanted

On July 22, 2023, a pacemaker was implanted in Benjamin Netanyahu's body.

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.

March 2024: Hernia discovered

In March 2024, a hernia was discovered on Benjamin Netanyahu.

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.

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.