History of Benjamin Netanyahu in Timeline
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.
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.
1938: Remarks comparing Iran to Nazi Germany
In April 2008, Netanyahu repeated his remarks comparing Iran to Nazi Germany, similar to earlier remarks that it's 1938, and Iran is Germany, and Iran is racing to arm itself with atomic bombs.
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.
1948: Sudan fought in wars against Israel
On October 23, 2020, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Sudan will start to normalize ties with Israel. Sudan fought in wars against Israel 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.
1967: Sudan fought in wars against Israel
On October 23, 2020, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Sudan will start to normalize ties with Israel. Sudan fought in wars against Israel 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.
1978: Affair with Fleur Cates begins
In 1978, while Miriam Weizmann was pregnant, Benjamin Netanyahu began an affair with Fleur Cates, a British student, at the university library.
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.
1987: Pollard Passes Secret Documents to Israel
In 1987, Jonathan Pollard, an American serving a life sentence for passing secret U.S. documents to Israel, was the recipient of Netanyahu's call for his release.
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.
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: Confession of affair with Ruth Bar
In 1993, Benjamin Netanyahu confessed on live television to having an affair with Ruth Bar, his public relations adviser, after being threatened with the release of a compromising video.
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: Opposition to Oslo Accords in "A Place Among the Nations"
In 1993, Netanyahu dedicated a chapter, entitled "Trojan Horse", of his book A Place Among the Nations to argue against the Oslo peace process.
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.
1995: Publication of "Fighting Terrorism: How Democracies Can Defeat Domestic and International Terrorism"
In his 1995 book, "Fighting Terrorism: How Democracies Can Defeat Domestic and International Terrorism", Netanyahu advocated for tightening immigration laws in the West as an effective method to combat terrorism.
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.
September 1996: Netanyahu meets Arafat
On September 4, 1996, Netanyahu held his first meeting with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat after a phone conversation. Netanyahu emphasized the need to consider the requirements of both sides, focusing on reciprocity and security. Arafat expressed determination to work with Netanyahu and his government. These meetings continued through Autumn 1996.
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: Media reports 20-year friendship with Katherine Price-Mondadori
In 1996, the media reported that Benjamin Netanyahu had a 20-year friendship with Katherine Price-Mondadori, an Italian-American woman.
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.
January 1997: Signing of the Hebron Protocol
On January 14, 1997, the Hebron Protocol was signed with the Palestinian Authority. This agreement led to the redeployment of Israeli forces in Hebron and the transfer of civilian authority in much of the area to the Palestinian Authority.
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: Mossad operation to assassinate Khaled Mashal in Jordan
On September 27, 1997, Netanyahu authorized a Mossad operation to assassinate Hamas leader Khaled Mashal in Jordan. The team injected poison into Mashal's ears in Amman, but the plot was exposed. King Hussein demanded the antidote, and after pressure from US President Bill Clinton, Netanyahu relented and released Jordanian and Palestinian prisoners. This incident strained Israeli-Jordanian relations.
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.
1997: Police recommend indictment on corruption charges
In 1997, police recommended that Netanyahu be indicted on corruption charges for influence-peddling, accusing him of appointing an attorney general who would reduce the charges. However, prosecutors ruled that there was insufficient evidence to go to trial.
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".
November 1998: Approval of Wye River Memorandum
On November 17, 1998, the Knesset approved the Wye River Memorandum by a vote of 75-19. This memorandum detailed the steps to be taken by the Israeli government and Palestinian Authority to implement the Interim Agreement of 1995. Netanyahu also emphasized a policy of 'three no(s)': no withdrawal from the Golan Heights, no discussion of the case of Jerusalem, no negotiations under any preconditions, referencing the 1967 Khartoum conference.
1998: Wye River Summit and Pollard
At the Wye River Summit in 1998, Netanyahu raised the issue of Jonathan Pollard, claiming that U.S. president Bill Clinton had privately agreed to release him.
1998: Reputation as advocate of the free market
By 1998, Netanyahu had acquired a reputation as "the advocate of the free-market".
1999: Netanyahu's temporary retirement and consultancy
After being defeated by Ehud Barak in the 1999 Israeli prime ministerial election, Netanyahu temporarily retired from politics. He then became a senior consultant with BATM Advanced Communications for two years.
1999: Stating the importance of free markets for growth
In 1999, Netanyahu told the Jerusalem Post that peace, without free markets, will not produce growth, but free markets without peace do produce growth.
1999: Impact of Hamas and Hezbollah actions on Netanyahu's image
In 1999, major Israeli failures against Hamas and Hezbollah under Netanyahu's first premiership, and the subsequent releases of imprisoned Palestinian and Lebanese leaders, damaged Netanyahu's 'tough stance' rhetoric and contributed to his defeat in the Israeli general election.
1999: Police recommend trial for corruption
In 1999, the Israel Police recommended that Netanyahu be tried for corruption for accepting $100,000 in free services from a government contractor. However, Israel's attorney general did not prosecute due to difficulties with evidence.
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.
2000: Case 2000 Investigation
In 2000, Case 2000 involved alleged attempts by Netanyahu to strike a deal with Arnon Mozes, the publisher of the Yedioth Ahronot newspaper group, to promote legislation to weaken Yedioth's main competitor, Israel Hayom, in exchange for more favorable coverage of Netanyahu.
2000: Death of Tzila Segal
In 2000, Tzila Segal, Benjamin Netanyahu's mother, passed away.
2000: Lawsuit filed by families of American victims
In 2000, families of American victims of the Hamas attacks filed a lawsuit against Syrian Minister of Defense Mustafa Tlass, Ghazi Kanaan, and Iranian Minister of Intelligence Ali Fallahian.
2000: Netanyahu's desire to return to politics
In late 2000, with the fall of the Barak government, Netanyahu expressed his desire to return to politics. He insisted on general elections but eventually decided not to run for prime minister, facilitating Ariel Sharon's rise to power.
2001: Netanyahu's Views on Peace Process Revealed in Video
In a 2001 video, Netanyahu, reportedly unaware he was being recorded, shared his views on the peace process.
September 2002: Testimony on Iraqi nuclear threat
On September 12, 2002, Netanyahu testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform about the nuclear threat posed by Saddam Hussein's regime. He stated that Saddam was seeking and advancing towards developing nuclear weapons and that removing Saddam's regime would have enormous positive reverberations on the region.
September 2002: Cancellation of Concordia University speech due to protests
On September 9, 2002, a scheduled speech by Netanyahu at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada was canceled after pro-Palestinian protesters overwhelmed security. Netanyahu, who remained at his hotel, accused the activists of supporting terrorism.
October 2002: Protests during Netanyahu's appearances in Pittsburgh
On October 1, 2002, around 200 protesters met Netanyahu outside his Heinz Hall appearance in Pittsburgh. Despite the protests, his speeches continued downtown at Heinz Hall and the Duquesne Club, as well as suburban Robert Morris University with protection by Pittsburgh Police, Israeli security, and a Pittsburgh SWAT unit.
2002: Visit to Jonathan Pollard
In 2002, Netanyahu visited Jonathan Pollard at his North Carolina prison.
2002: Appointment as foreign minister and challenge to Sharon
In 2002, after the Israeli Labor Party left the coalition, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon appointed Netanyahu as foreign minister. Netanyahu challenged Sharon for the leadership of the Likud party in the 2002 Likud leadership election but was unsuccessful.
2003: Appointment as Finance Minister
After the 2003 Israeli legislative election, Sharon offered Netanyahu the Finance Ministry. Some speculated that Sharon did this to diminish Netanyahu's popularity by placing him in charge of the economy during a time of economic uncertainty. Netanyahu accepted the appointment and agreed to remain silent on Sharon's management of military and foreign affairs in exchange for Sharon backing all his reforms as finance minister.
2003: Diagnosis of right bundle branch block
Around 2003, Benjamin Netanyahu began suffering from right bundle branch block (RBBB).
2003: Introduction of major overhaul of the Israeli economy
From 2003 to 2005, as Minister of Finance, Netanyahu introduced a major overhaul of the Israeli economy, including a welfare to work program, privatization, and tax reforms.
2003: Acceptance of the road map
In relation to his proposal, Netanyahu affirmed that he accepted the 2003 road map.
2004: Gaza Pullout Referendum Threat
In 2004, Netanyahu threatened to resign from office unless the Gaza pullout plan was put to a referendum, modifying the ultimatum later and voting for the program in the Knesset.
August 2005: Resignation Letter Submitted
On 7 August 2005, Netanyahu submitted his resignation letter shortly before the Israeli cabinet voted to approve the initial phase of withdrawal from Gaza.
September 2005: Attempt to Hold Early Primaries
In September 2005, Netanyahu attempted to hold early primaries for the Likud leadership while the party held the office of prime minister, effectively trying to push Ariel Sharon out of office; however, the party rejected this initiative.
December 2005: Retook Likud Leadership
On 20 December 2005, Netanyahu retook the leadership of Likud, winning 47% of the primary vote.
2005: Credit for economic miracle
By the end of his tenure as Minister of Finance in 2005, Netanyahu was widely credited by commentators as having performed an 'economic miracle'.
2005: Returns to lead Likud
In 2005, Benjamin Netanyahu returned to lead Likud.
2005: Law on Israeli Settlements Repealed in 2023
The Netanyahu government repealed in March 2023 a 2005 law whereby four Israeli settlements, Homesh, Sa-Nur, Ganim and Kadim, were dismantled as part of the Israeli disengagement from Gaza.
March 2006: Knesset Elections
In the March 2006 Knesset elections, Likud took third place, and Netanyahu became the Leader of the Opposition.
2006: Leader of the Opposition
Between 2006 and 2009, Benjamin Netanyahu was the leader of the opposition.
March 2007: Comparing Iran to Nazi Germany
In March 2007, opposition leader Netanyahu claimed that the only difference between Nazi Germany and the Islamic Republic of Iran is that Nazi Germany entered a worldwide conflict before seeking atomic weapons, while Iran is seeking atomic weapons first and then will start a world war.
August 2007: Reelected as Likud Chairman
On 14 August 2007, Netanyahu was reelected as chairman of the Likud and its candidate for prime minister with 73% of the vote.
April 2008: Repeating comparison of Iran to Nazi Germany
In April 2008, Netanyahu repeated his remarks comparing Iran to Nazi Germany, similar to earlier remarks that it's 1938, and Iran is Germany, and Iran is racing to arm itself with atomic bombs.
2008: Colon Polyp Removal
In the first half of 2008, doctors removed a small, benign colon polyp from Netanyahu.
January 2009: Informing Tony Blair about settlement expansion policy
In January 2009, prior to the February 2009 Israeli elections, Netanyahu informed Middle East envoy Tony Blair that he would continue the policy of expanding settlements in the West Bank but not building new ones.
February 2009: Supports New Elections
Following Tzipi Livni's election to head Kadima and Olmert's resignation, Netanyahu declined to join the coalition Livni was trying to form and supported new elections, which were held in February 2009.
February 2009: Informing Tony Blair about settlement expansion policy
In February 2009, prior to the Israeli elections, Netanyahu informed Middle East envoy Tony Blair that he would continue the policy of expanding settlements in the West Bank but not building new ones.
February 2009: Designated Prime Minister
On 20 February 2009, Netanyahu was designated by Israeli President Shimon Peres to succeed Ehud Olmert as prime minister after the 2009 Israeli legislative election.
March 2009: Government Approved by Knesset
On 31 March 2009, Netanyahu presented his cabinet for a Knesset "Vote of Confidence". The 32nd Government was approved that day.
June 2009: Advocating for an "economic peace" approach
In June 2009, Netanyahu delivered a speech where he advocated for an "economic peace" approach, which is based on economic cooperation rather than political contention. He raised these ideas during discussions with former U.S. secretary of state Condoleezza Rice and continued to advocate for them as the Israeli elections approached.
June 2009: Delivering the "Bar-Ilan speech"
In June 2009, Netanyahu delivered an address at Bar-Ilan University, known as the "Bar-Ilan speech", where he endorsed the notion of a Palestinian state alongside Israel for the first time. This speech was viewed as a response to Obama's speech at Cairo.
June 2009: Bar-Ilan University Speech
On 14 June 2009, ten days after Obama's Cairo speech, Netanyahu gave a speech at Bar-Ilan University in which he endorsed a "Demilitarized Palestinian State", though said that Jerusalem must remain the unified capital of Israel.
July 2009: High Approval Rating and Economic Boost
A July 2009 survey by Ha'aretz found that most Israelis supported the Netanyahu government, giving him a personal approval rating of about 49 percent. Netanyahu has lifted checkpoints in the West Bank in order to allow freedom of movement and a flow of imports; a step that resulted in an economic boost in the West Bank.
August 2009: Agrees to Meet with Mahmoud Abbas
In August 2009, Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas declared that he would be willing to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu at the UN General Assembly, where Netanyahu had accepted president Obama's invitation for a "triple summit".
August 2009: Promise Not to Repeat Gaza Pullout Mistake
On 9 August 2009, Netanyahu, speaking at the opening of his weekly cabinet meeting, promised not to repeat the "mistake" of the Gaza unilateral pullout, stating that it brought neither peace nor security. He insisted on recognition of Israel and a security settlement for any future peace agreement.
August 2009: Repeating demands from the Palestinians
On August 9, 2009, Netanyahu repeated his demands from the Palestinians: recognition of Israel as the national state of the Jewish people and a security settlement.
September 2009: Settlement Construction Compromise
In September 2009, it was reported that Netanyahu was to agree to settlers' political demands to approve more settlement constructions before a temporary settlement freeze agreement took place.
September 2009: UN General Assembly Address
On 24 September 2009, in an address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Netanyahu said Iran poses a threat to the peace of the world and that it is incumbent on the world body to prevent the Islamic Republic from obtaining nuclear weapons.
September 2009: Secret Flight to Moscow
On 7 September 2009, Netanyahu left his office without reporting where he was headed. On 9 September 2009, Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the Israeli leader had made a secret flight to Moscow to try to persuade Russian officials not to sell S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems to Iran.
September 2009: Addressing the UN General Assembly on the threat of Iran
Speaking before the UN General Assembly in New York on September 24, 2009, Netanyahu expressed a different opinion than Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's speech at the forum, saying those who believe Tehran is a threat only to Israel are wrong and that the Iranian regime is fueled by extreme fundamentalism.
November 2009: Partial Settlement Freeze Plan
On 25 November 2009, Netanyahu announced a partial 10-month settlement construction freeze plan in response to pressure from the Obama administration.
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.
2009: Influx of migrants into Israel
Between 2009 and 2013, approximately 60,000 people crossed into Israel from various African countries.
2009: Differing Views on Palestinian State
In 2009, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton voiced support for the establishment of a Palestinian state – a solution not endorsed by prime minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu, who conditioned negotiations on the Palestinians recognizing Israel as a Jewish state.
March 2010: Approval of Construction in East Jerusalem
In March 2010, Israel's government approved construction of an additional 1,600 apartments in Ramat Shlomo in northern East Jerusalem.
September 2010: Direct Talks with Palestinians
In September 2010, Netanyahu agreed to enter direct talks, mediated by the Obama administration, with the Palestinians. On 27 September, the 10-month settlement freeze ended, and the Israeli government approved new construction in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
2010: Netanyahu forms the Concentration Committee
In 2010, Netanyahu formed the Concentration Committee, the recommendations of which were later implemented through the Business Concentration Law approved by the Knesset in December 2013.
July 2011: Robert Gates Criticism
On retiring from office in July 2011, former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates had said that Netanyahu was ungrateful to the United States and endangering Israel.
September 2011: Trajtenberg Committee Recommendations
In response to social justice protests across Israel, the Trajtenberg Committee, appointed by Netanyahu to examine the problems and propose solutions, submitted recommendations to lower the high cost of living in September 2011.
November 2011: Biden remarks on relationship with Netanyahu
In November 2011, U.S. president Joe Biden stated that his relationship with Benjamin Netanyahu had lasted for 39 years.
November 2011: Defense budget and security cooperation with the U.S.
In November 2011, the Israeli General Staff concluded that the armed forces could not maintain battle readiness under Netanyahu's proposed cuts. Netanyahu then cut social programs and increased the defense budget. Also in November 2011, a U.S. State Department representative noted unprecedented security cooperation between Israel and the United States under Netanyahu and Obama.
2011: Sarkozy and Obama's comments about Netanyahu
During the 2011 G-20 Cannes summit, then-French president Nicolas Sarkozy was overheard calling Netanyahu a "liar" to then-U.S. president Barack Obama, who acknowledged the difficulty of dealing with him.
2011: Prisoner swap for Gilad Shalit
In 2011, Netanyahu arranged for 1000 Hamas and Fatah prisoners, including terrorists, to be swapped for Gilad Shalit.
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.
September 2012: Speech to the UN General Assembly
On September 28, 2012, Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly, outlining a "red line" of 90% uranium enrichment for Iran, using a cartoon graphic of a bomb to illustrate his point and indicating the stages of uranium enrichment.
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.
November 2012: End of ceasefire agreement
In November 2012, the ceasefire agreement ended, and Israel started Operation Protective Edge in the Gaza Strip.
2012: Ties to U.S. Republican Party
By 2012, Netanyahu has close ties with the congressional leadership of the U.S. Republican Party and with its 2012 presidential candidate, Mitt Romney. He and Romney first became acquainted when both worked at the Boston Consulting Group in the mid-1970s.
2012: Death of Benzion Netanyahu
In 2012, Benzion Netanyahu, Benjamin Netanyahu's father, passed away.
2012: Consideration of Israeli military action against Iran's nuclear facilities
In 2012, Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak considered Israeli military action against Iran's nuclear facilities. This consideration was met with criticism from Yuval Diskin, former head of the Shin Bet, and Meir Dagan, former Mossad chief. The RAND Corporation also openly disagreed with Netanyahu's stance in 2012.
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.
2012: Passage of "Prevention of Infiltration Law"
In 2012, the Netanyahu government passed the "Prevention of Infiltration Law", mandating automatic detention of people entering Israel without permission. Amnesty International criticized it. When the Supreme Court declared it illegal, Netanyahu requested new legislation to circumvent the ruling.
2012: Warning against Iranian nuclear bomb at Holocaust Remembrance Day
In early 2012, during Israel's Holocaust Remembrance Day opening ceremony, Netanyahu warned against the dangers of an Iranian nuclear bomb. He drew parallels to Jewish leaders during World War II. This comparison was criticized by Israeli academic Avner Cohen and former foreign minister Shlomo Ben-Ami. Immediately after the 2012 Burgas bus bombing, Netanyahu confirmed that the attack had been undertaken in coordination with Iran.
2012: Biden mentions 39-year relationship in debate
In the 2012 U.S. vice presidential debate, Joe Biden stated that his relationship with Benjamin Netanyahu has lasted for 39 years.
July 2013: Tenders issued for private port construction
In July 2013, Netanyahu issued tenders for the construction of private ports in Haifa and Ashdod as part of a campaign of port privatization to break the perceived monopoly of the Israel Port Authority workers.
August 2013: Ros-Lehtinen stresses importance of providing Wultz family with lawsuit support
In August 2013, Ros-Lehtinen raised the issue of support for the Wultz family lawsuit during a congressional delegation to Israel, stressing its importance to Israeli officials.
October 2013: Interview with BBC Persian Service
In an October 2013 interview with BBC Persian Service, Netanyahu praised the history of Persia and stated that Iranian people would never be free of dictatorship if the Iranian regime had nuclear weapons.
December 2013: Knesset approves Business Concentration Law
In December 2013, the Knesset approved the Business Concentration Law, which intended to open Israel's highly concentrated economy to competition to lower consumer prices, reduce income inequality, and increase economic growth. The new law banned multi-tiered corporate holding structures and prohibited corporations from owning more than two tiers of publicly listed companies and from holding both financial and non-financial enterprises.
2013: Influx of migrants into Israel
Between 2009 and 2013, approximately 60,000 people crossed into Israel from various African countries.
2013: Victory in elections
In 2013, Benjamin Netanyahu led Likud to victory in the elections.
2013: Trump endorses Netanyahu
In 2013, Donald Trump made a video endorsing Benjamin Netanyahu during the Israeli elections, calling him a terrific guy, terrific leader, and great for Israel.
2013: Denial of peace talks based on the green line
In 2013, Netanyahu denied reports that his government would agree to peace talks on the basis of the green line.
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.
April 2014: Netanyahu expresses concern over Hamas-Palestinian Authority agreement
In April 2014, Netanyahu voiced his concerns regarding the agreement between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority to form a unity government, criticizing the decision of the United States and European governments to work with the Palestinian coalition government.
October 2014: Obama administration official calls Netanyahu a 'chickenshit'
In October 2014, Jeffrey Goldberg reported that a senior official in the Obama administration called Netanyahu a "chickenshit" after Netanyahu accused U.S. president Barack Obama of "acting contrary to American values". Secretary of State John Kerry phoned Netanyahu to clarify that "such statements are disgraceful, unacceptable and damaging". Observers characterized the relationship as having reached a crisis level by October 2014.
October 2014: Netanyahu's statement in October 2014
In October 2014, Netanyahu made a statement on an unspecified topic.
October 2014: Government approves privatization plan and criticizes settlement criticism
In October 2014, Netanyahu's government approved a privatization plan for state-owned companies and criticized the American government's view on settlements which caused a rebuke from the White House.
November 2014: Israel to wait until new U.S. president is elected
In November 2014, Goldberg reported that Israel would wait until a new U.S. president was elected before attempting to repair the relationship with the White House, due to rifts between Netanyahu and the Obama administration.
December 2014: Netanyahu Fires Ministers, Dissolves Government
On 2 December 2014, Netanyahu fired two of his ministers, Finance Minister Yair Lapid and Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, leading to the dissolution of the government.
2014: Agreement to American framework and settlers' option
In 2014, Netanyahu agreed to the American framework based on the green line and said that Jewish settlers must be allowed the option of staying in their settlements under Palestinian rule.
2014: Criticism from Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat
In 2014, Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat criticized Netanyahu, calling him "ideologically corrupt" and a war criminal.
January 2015: Netanyahu invited to address US Congress
In January 2015, Netanyahu was invited to address the US Congress, marking his third speech to a joint session. There were objections to the arrangement of the speech without the Obama administration's support.
March 2015: New elections expected
In December 2014, Netanyahu fired two of his ministers which led to the dissolution of the government, with new elections expected on 17 March 2015.
March 2015: Negative reaction expected to Netanyahu's speech to Congress
Leading up to Netanyahu's speech to the US Congress on 3 March 2015, Israeli consuls general in the United States anticipated a negative reaction from U.S. Jewish communities and Israel's allies.
May 2015: Netanyahu forms coalition government
In May 2015, Netanyahu was granted an extension to build a coalition and successfully formed a coalition government with the Jewish Home, United Torah Judaism, Kulanu, and Shas 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.
August 2015: Government Approves Two-Year Budget
In August 2015, Netanyahu's government approved a two-year budget that included agricultural reforms, lower import duties to reduce food prices, deregulation of construction approval, and financial sector reforms to boost competition, though some agricultural reforms were later compromised.
October 2015: Netanyahu's claim about the Grand Mufti and the Holocaust
In October 2015, Netanyahu faced widespread criticism for claiming that the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Haj Amin al-Husseini, gave Adolf Hitler the idea for the Holocaust. This claim was dismissed by mainstream historians.
2015: Netanyahu on Palestinian State
Approaching the 2015 Israeli elections, Netanyahu stated that a Palestinian state would not be established during his term, citing concerns about yielding territory to radical Islamic terrorists. However, he reiterated his support for a peaceful, sustainable two-state solution.
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.
2015: Mossad's assessment on Iran's nuclear capabilities leaked
In 2015, cables were leaked indicating that Mossad's assessment at the time of Netanyahu's 2012 UN speech was that Iran did not appear ready to enrich uranium to levels required for a nuclear bomb.
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 non-Orthodox prayer space at the Western Wall.
December 2016: US abstains from UN Security Council Resolution 2334
On 23 December 2016, the United States abstained from United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, effectively allowing it to pass. Netanyahu strongly criticized the UN Resolution in response.
December 2016: UN Security Council resolution on Israeli settlements
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. At the behest of the Netanyahu government, President-elect Trump attempted to intercede. Netanyahu's office alleged that the Obama administration colluded with the UN.
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.
January 2017: Israel Withdraws 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.
May 2017: Showing Donald Trump a fake video of Mahmoud Abbas
In May 2017, former United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson stated that Netanyahu showed Donald Trump a fake and altered video of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas calling for the killing of children in order to change Trump's position in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
August 2017: Police Suspect Netanyahu of Crimes
On 3 August 2017, Israeli police confirmed for the first time 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 in these cases.
October 2017: Israel announces departure from UNESCO
On 12 October 2017, shortly after the United States 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 an initial announcement in October 2017.
2017: Calling for death penalty in Halamish stabbing attack
In 2017, Netanyahu called for the death penalty to be imposed on the perpetrator of the 2017 Halamish stabbing attack.
January 2018: Preliminary vote in favor of death penalty for terrorism
In January 2018, a preliminary vote in the Israeli parliament favored a bill allowing the death penalty for terrorism.
February 2018: Police Recommend Corruption Charges
On 13 February 2018, Israeli police recommended that Netanyahu be charged with corruption, citing sufficient evidence to indict him on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in Cases 1000 and 2000. Netanyahu denied the allegations and stated he would continue as prime minister.
April 2018: Erdoğan refers to Israel as a 'terror state'
In April 2018, Turkish President Erdoğan referred to Israel as a "terror state" and Netanyahu as a "terrorist".
April 2018: Netanyahu accuses Iran of violating nuclear deal
On 30 April 2018, Netanyahu accused Iran of not upholding its end of the Iran nuclear deal after presenting documents detailing Iran's nuclear program.
July 2018: Knesset Passes Nation-State Bill
On 19 July 2018, the Knesset passed the Nation-State Bill, a Basic Law supported by Netanyahu's coalition government, which analysts viewed as a sign of the coalition advancing a right-wing agenda.
November 2018: Indictment Recommended for Netanyahu
On 25 November 2018, Economic Crimes Division Director Liat Ben-Ari recommended indictment for Netanyahu in the corruption cases.
2018: Close relationship with Jair Bolsonaro
Following Jair Bolsonaro's election in 2018, Netanyahu developed a close relationship with the Brazilian President.
2018: Netanyahu Praises North Korea-United States Summit
In 2018, Netanyahu praised the 2018 North Korea–United States summit, commending US President Donald Trump on the effort to rid the Korean peninsula of nuclear weapons.
2018: Crisis in Israel-Poland relations
In early 2018, Netanyahu criticized Polish prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki's comment about Jewish perpetrators in the Holocaust as "outrageous." The crisis in Israel–Poland relations was resolved in late June 2018 with a joint communiqué endorsing Holocaust research and condemning "Polish concentration camps".
2018: Start of Israeli political crisis
The 2018–2022 Israeli political crisis led to a rotation agreement between Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz.
February 2019: Attorney General Announces Intent to Indict
On 28 February 2019, the Israeli attorney general announced his intent to file indictments against Netanyahu on bribery and fraud charges in three different cases.
April 2019: Brokered Deal with Otzma Yehudit
In April 2019, prior to the Israeli legislative election, Netanyahu brokered a deal uniting the Jewish Home party with the far-right Otzma Yehudit party to form the Union of the Right-Wing Parties, with the aim of overcoming the electoral threshold for smaller parties. This deal faced media criticism due to Otzma's widely characterized racist views and extremist origins.
June 2019: Settlement renamed after Donald Trump
In June 2019, Benjamin Netanyahu officially renamed a settlement in the disputed Golan Heights after Donald Trump.
November 2019: Netanyahu Formally Indicted
On 21 November 2019, Netanyahu was formally indicted on bribe and fraud charges. He could face up to 10 years in prison for bribery and three years for fraud and breach of trust if convicted. On 23 November 2019, it was announced that Netanyahu would relinquish his agriculture, health, social affairs and diaspora affairs portfolios, in compliance with legal precedent.
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.
2019: Support for bolstering Hamas to thwart a Palestinian state
In 2019, Netanyahu said at a private Likud party meeting that anyone who wants to thwart the establishment of a Palestinian state has to support bolstering Hamas and transferring money to Hamas.
January 2020: Trump frustrated with Netanyahu
In January 2020, Donald Trump became frustrated with Benjamin Netanyahu's rhetoric regarding the annexation of the Jordan Valley and considered endorsing his political opponent, Benny Gantz.
January 2020: Public support for Trump's Israeli-Palestinian peace plan
In January 2020, Netanyahu publicly supported Trump's Israeli-Palestinian peace plan. However, after the peace proposal failed, Trump said Netanyahu "never wanted peace" with the Palestinians.
January 2020: Netanyahu Officially Charged
On 28 January 2020, Netanyahu was officially charged, marking a significant development in his ongoing legal battles.
May 2020: Criminal Trial Set to Begin
In May 2020, Netanyahu's criminal trial was set to begin on 24 May, having been initially scheduled for March but delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 2020: Sworn in for Fifth Term Amid 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, extensive demonstrations broke out against him in front of the prime minister's residence, leading to attempts to disperse them using COVID-19 regulations, which ultimately enlarged the demonstrations.
September 2020: Signing of the Abraham Accords at the White House
In September 2020, the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords, which agreed to the full normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, were signed by Bahrain's foreign minister, UAE's foreign minister, and Netanyahu at the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C.
October 2020: Announcement of Sudan normalizing ties with Israel
On October 23, 2020, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Sudan will start to normalize ties with Israel as part of the Trump administration-brokered Abraham Accords. Netanyahu thanked "President Trump and his team above all."
2020: Praise for U.S. airstrike that killed Qasem Soleimani
In 2020, Netanyahu praised the U.S. military's Baghdad International Airport airstrike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, saying that Trump acted "swiftly, forcefully and decisively".
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: Israel Achieves Highest COVID-19 Vaccination Rate
By March 2021, Israel became the country with the highest vaccinated population per capita in the world against COVID-19.
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.
June 2021: Ousted as Prime Minister
On 13 June 2021, Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid formed a coalition government, leading to Netanyahu being ousted as prime minister and ending his 12-year tenure.
December 2022: Sworn in as Prime Minister Again
Following the 2022 election, Netanyahu was sworn in as prime minister again, starting his sixth term on 29 December 2022, as the leader of a hardline coalition.
2022: Returns to premiership
After the 2022 election, Benjamin Netanyahu returned to the premiership.
2022: Led Opposition into 2022 Election
After the end of his second premiership, Netanyahu led the opposition into the 2022 Israeli legislative election, with Likud remaining the largest party in the twenty-fourth Knesset.
2022: Increase in Settlement Construction
In June 2023, it was reported that in the first six months of the year, construction of 13,000 housing units in settlements had taken place, almost triple the amount advanced in the whole of 2022.
2022: Positive description of Vladimir Putin in Netanyahu's 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". Their relationship has since been strained.
February 2023: Legalization of Settler Outposts Approved
In February 2023, Netanyahu's new 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.
March 2023: Repeal of 2005 Law on Settlements
In March 2023, Netanyahu's government repealed a 2005 law whereby four Israeli settlements, Homesh, Sa-Nur, Ganim and Kadim, were dismantled as part of the Israeli disengagement from Gaza.
April 2023: Criminal Trial Ongoing
As of April 2023, Netanyahu's criminal trial was still ongoing, indicating a prolonged legal process.
June 2023: Israel Refuses Lethal Weapons to Ukraine
In June 2023, Netanyahu said that Israel is concerned "with the possibility that systems that we would give to Ukraine would fall into Iranian hands and could be reverse engineered, and we would find ourselves facing Israeli systems used against Israel," explaining Israel's refusal to send lethal weapons to Ukraine.
June 2023: Settlement Construction Procedures Shortened
In June 2023, Netanyahu's coalition shortened the procedure of approving settlement construction and gave Finance Minister Smotrich the authority to approve one of the stages, changing the system operating for the last 27 years. In its first six months, construction of 13,000 housing units in settlements, almost triple the amount advanced in the whole of 2022.
July 2023: Pacemaker implanted
On July 22, 2023, a pacemaker was implanted in Benjamin Netanyahu's body.
September 2023: Continued backing of Qatari payments to Gaza
According to the New York Times, as late as September 2023, Netanyahu continued backing Qatari payments to Gaza in response to Qatari questions.
October 2023: Criticism and Protests Over Intelligence Failure
In October 2023, Netanyahu faced criticism for presiding over what was described as Israel's biggest intelligence failure in 50 years, leading to protests calling for his removal. Increased opposition arose due to a perceived failure to anticipate the Hamas-led attack, with calls for his resignation. A poll showed that 56% of Israelis believed he must resign after the war. On 28 October 2023, he was accused of using "dangerous rhetoric" when comparing Hamas to Amalek. On 29 October, he blamed Israel's security chiefs for Hamas's attack, a post he later deleted.
October 2023: Israel Enters State of War Against Hamas
On 7 October 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 to "turn all the places where Hamas is organized and hiding into cities of ruins", called Gaza "the city of evil", and urged its residents to "leave now".
November 2023: Rejects Ceasefire Calls and Defends Israel's Actions
On 11 November 2023, Netanyahu rejected calls for a ceasefire in the war and warned that Israel will "stand firm against the world if necessary." He stated that the Israel Defense Forces would remain in Gaza "as long as necessary" and that Israel would prevent the Palestinian Authority from returning to Gaza. He dismissed allegations that Israel is breaking international law as "hogwash" and described Palestinian civilian casualties as "collateral damage."
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.
December 2023: Accusations of Putting Politics Above Hostages' Return and Genocide Accusations
In December 2023, Netanyahu faced criticism during a meeting with released Israeli hostages, with one accusing him of putting politics "above the return of the kidnapped." Also in December 2023, he supported the "voluntary migration" of Palestinians from Gaza. Netanyahu has been accused of genocide by non-governmental organizations, culminating in the South Africa v. Israel case before the International Court of Justice.
2023: Diplomacy with Chinese President Xi Jinping
Since 2023, Netanyahu and Chinese President Xi Jinping have been engaged in diplomacy due to strained ties between the US and Israel, further complicated by China's neutrality in the Gaza war.
March 2024: Hernia discovered
In March 2024, a hernia was discovered on Benjamin Netanyahu.
May 2024: ICC Prosecutor Seeks Arrest Warrant
On 20 May 2024, Karim Khan, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, announced his intention to apply for an arrest warrant for Netanyahu on several counts of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
July 2024: Pakistan designating Netanyahu as a "terrorist"
In July 2024, Pakistan officially designated Netanyahu a "terrorist", calling him responsible for the atrocities in Gaza.
July 2024: Addressed US Congress Amid Protests and Met with Donald Trump
On 24 July 2024, Netanyahu addressed another joint session of the United States Congress amidst widespread protest to solicit support for the Gaza war, calling protesters "useful idiots" and pledging a "total victory" in Gaza. On the same day, he met with 2024 Republican nominee for president Donald Trump in Florida at his Mar-a-Lago residence where he criticized presumptive Democratic nominee for President Kamala Harris for vowing that she "will not be silent" about atrocities in Gaza.
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.
October 2024: Drone Attack on Netanyahu's Residence
On 19 October 2024, a drone attack believed to have originated from Lebanon was made on Netanyahu's residence in Caesarea. Netanyahu was not present at the time, 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 issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, along with others, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
December 2024: Prostate removed
In December 2024, Benjamin Netanyahu's prostate was removed following a urinary tract infection caused by an enlargement.
December 2024: Directs invasion of Syria
In December 2024, after the fall of the Assad regime, Benjamin Netanyahu directed an invasion of Syria against the Syrian opposition.
March 2025: Resumption of Gaza War and Intelligence Chief Fired
On the night of 18 March 2025, Israel launched a surprise attack on the Gaza Strip, effectively ending the 2025 Gaza war ceasefire. Netanyahu's corruption trial was postponed as a result. In March 2025, Netanyahu fired Ronen Bar, the chief of the Shin Bet intelligence service, citing a loss of confidence in him. Ronen Bar accused the government of firing him for investigating Qatar's involvement and influence in the Prime Minister's Office, in a case known as the Qatari connection affair.
2025: Investigation into alleged ties between Netanyahu's advisors and Qatar
In 2025, Shin Beth started an investigation into the alleged ties between Netanyahu's advisors and Qatar.
Mentioned in this timeline
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