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 "Bibi" Netanyahu is an Israeli politician and diplomat currently serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2022. He previously held the same office from 1996-1999 and 2009-2021. He is Israel's longest-serving prime minister.

Sections (6)

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

1967: Exodus of African Hebrew Israelites

In 1967, the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem began their "exodus" from America to Israel, which Netanyahu supports integrating into Israeli society.

May 1972: Involved in the rescue of the hijacked Sabena Flight 571

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

1972: Netanyahu and Weizmann move to US to study

In 1972, Netanyahu and Miriam Weizmann moved to the United States to study. Weizmann enrolled at Brandeis University, while Netanyahu studied at MIT.

1972: Returned to the US to study architecture at MIT

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

October 1973: Served in the Yom Kippur War

In October 1973, Benjamin Netanyahu returned to Israel to serve in the Yom Kippur War, taking part in special forces raids along the Suez Canal against Egyptian forces before leading a commando attack deep inside Syrian territory.

February 1975: Completed bachelor's degree in architecture

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

1976: Earned a master's degree from the MIT Sloan School of Management

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

April 1978: Birth of daughter Noa

On April 29, 1978, Netanyahu and his first wife, Miriam Weizmann, had their daughter Noa.

1978: Affair with Fleur Cates begins

In 1978, while his wife was pregnant, Netanyahu began an affair with Fleur Cates, a British student. This led to the end of his first marriage.

1981: Marriage to Fleur Cates

In 1981, Netanyahu married Fleur Cates, who converted to Judaism. Cates was a British student with whom he had an affair during his first marriage.

1988: Divorce from Fleur Cates

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

July 1991: Birth of son Yair

On July 26, 1991, Netanyahu and his third wife, Sara Ben-Artzi, had their son Yair.

October 1994: Birth of son Avner

On October 10, 1994, Netanyahu and his third wife, Sara Ben-Artzi, had their son Avner.

January 1996: Shin Bet assassinated Hamas military leader Yahya Ayyash

After the Shin Bet assassinated Hamas military leader Yahya Ayyash on 5 January 1996, Mohammed Deif organized a bombing campaign inside Israel as retaliation.

2003: Diagnosis of Right Bundle Branch Block

Around 2003, Netanyahu was diagnosed with right bundle branch block (RBBB).

2008: Colon polyp removal

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

2009: Influx of Migrants into Israel

Between 2009 and 2013, approximately 60,000 people crossed into Israel from various African countries, prompting concerns from Netanyahu about the social fabric and national security.

2012: Netanyahu's Appreciation for the Hebrew Israelite Community

In 2012, Netanyahu expressed his appreciation towards the cooperative society that works towards the inclusion of the Hebrew Israelite community in Israeli society, viewing their experience as an integral part of the Israeli experience.

2015: Response to Ethiopian Jewish Protests

In 2015, following Ethiopian Jewish protests against police brutality, Netanyahu pledged to bring a comprehensive plan to the government to address the community's concerns and combat racism and discrimination.

July 2023: Pacemaker implanted

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

March 2024: Hernia discovered

In March 2024, a hernia was discovered on Netanyahu.

October 2024: Survived assassination attempt and Invasion of Lebanon

In October 2024, Benjamin Netanyahu survived an assassination attempt and ordered an invasion of Lebanon with the stated goal of destroying the military capabilities of Hezbollah.