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 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 this office for two previous terms: 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. He has been a central figure in Israeli politics for over two decades, shaping the country's policies and international relations.

Sections (6)

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

1911: Family migrated from Minneapolis to Petah Tikva

In 1911, Tzila Segal's family migrated from Minneapolis to Petah Tikva in the Mutasarrifate of Jerusalem.

1948: Israeli State Founding

Netanyahu won the 1996 election, becoming the first Israeli prime minister to be born in the State of Israel founded in 1948.

1948: War between Sudan and Israel

Sudan fought in wars against Israel in 1948, prior to the normalization of ties in October 2020.

1949: Birth in Tel Aviv

In 1949, Benjamin Netanyahu was born in Tel Aviv.

1956: Family lived in the United States

From 1956 to 1958, Benjamin Netanyahu's family lived in the United States in Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania.

1958: Family lived in the United States

From 1956 to 1958, Benjamin Netanyahu's family lived in the United States in Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania.

1963: Family lived in the United States again

From 1963 to 1967, Benjamin Netanyahu's family lived in the United States in Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania, again.

1967: Exodus of African Hebrew Israelites from America to Israel

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

1967: Graduated from high school

In 1967, Benjamin Netanyahu graduated from Cheltenham High School.

1967: Joined Israel Defense Forces

In 1967, Benjamin Netanyahu returned to Israel to join the Israel Defense Forces.

1967: War between Sudan and Israel

Sudan fought in wars against Israel in 1967, prior to the normalization of ties in October 2020.

March 1968: Participated in the Battle of Karameh

In March 1968, Benjamin Netanyahu participated in the Battle of Karameh.

May 1972: Rescued 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: Returned to the US

In 1972, Benjamin Netanyahu returned to the US after serving in the Israel Defense Forces.

October 1973: Served in Yom Kippur War

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

February 1975: Completed bachelor's degree in architecture

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

1976: Earned 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.

April 1978: Birth of Netanyahu's daughter

In April 1978, Netanyahu and Miriam Weizmann had their first and only child, a daughter named Noa.

1978: Returned to Israel

In 1978, Netanyahu returned to Israel.

1978: Netanyahu's affair and divorce

In 1978, while his then-wife Miriam Weizmann was pregnant, Netanyahu began an affair with Fleur Cates, a British student. This led to the end of his marriage with Weizmann shortly thereafter.

1981: Netanyahu marries Fleur Cates

In 1981, Netanyahu married Fleur Cates, who converted to Judaism for the marriage.

1988: Netanyahu and Cates divorce

In 1988, Fleur Cates sued for divorce from Netanyahu after they had moved to Israel.

July 1991: Birth of Netanyahu's son, Yair

On July 26, 1991, Netanyahu and Sara Ben-Artzi welcomed their first son, Yair, who later served in the IDF Spokesperson's Unit.

October 1994: Birth of Netanyahu's son, Avner

On October 10, 1994, Netanyahu and Sara Ben-Artzi had their second son, Avner, who became a national Bible champion.

1996: Report of Netanyahu's friendship with Katherine Price-Mondadori

In 1996, the media reported on Netanyahu's 20-year friendship with Katherine Price-Mondadori, an Italian-American woman.

2018: Netanyahu Praises North Korea-US Summit

In 2018, Netanyahu praised the 2018 North Korea–United States Singapore Summit. He commended US President Donald Trump on the summit as an important step to rid the Korean peninsula of nuclear weapons.

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: Drone Attack on Netanyahu's Residence

In October 2024, Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Caesarea was attacked by a drone, believed to be from Lebanon. Netanyahu was not present, and there were no casualties. He accused Hezbollah of attempting to assassinate him.