History of Benjamin Netanyahu in Timeline
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.
1938: Comparison to 1938
Netanyahu compared Iran's pursuit of atomic weapons to Germany in 1938.
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.
1976: Economic Consult for Boston Consulting Group
In 1976, while working as an economic consultant for Boston Consulting Group, Netanyahu observed European governments being hampered by concentrations of power, influencing his views on the importance of private sector competition.
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.
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 unsuccessfully called for Pollard's early release.
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.
1993: Confession to affair with Ruth Bar
In 1993, Netanyahu confessed on live television to having an affair with Ruth Bar, his public relations adviser, after a political rival threatened to release a compromising video.
1993: Legal Precedent Set by Israeli Supreme Court
In 1993, the Israeli Supreme Court set a legal precedent that was followed by Netanyahu in November 2019. He relinquished his agriculture, health, social affairs and diaspora affairs portfolios.
October 1994: Birth of son Avner
On October 10, 1994, Netanyahu and his third wife, Sara Ben-Artzi, had their son Avner.
1995: Publication of Fighting Terrorism Book
In his 1995 book "Fighting Terrorism: How Democracies Can Defeat Domestic and International Terrorism", Netanyahu argued that tightening immigration laws is the most effective method to combat terrorism.
September 1996: Netanyahu meets Arafat for the first time
On 4 September 1996, Netanyahu met Palestinian President Arafat for the first time after a telephone conversation. Netanyahu emphasized the need to consider the needs of both sides, while Arafat expressed determination to work with Netanyahu's government.
1996: Became First Directly-Elected Prime Minister
In 1996, Benjamin Netanyahu became the first Israeli prime minister elected directly by popular vote.
1996: Opening of Western Wall Tunnel Exit Sparks Riots
In 1996, Netanyahu and Jerusalem's mayor Ehud Olmert decided to open an exit in the Arab Quarter for the Western Wall Tunnel, which had been put on hold by prior prime minister Shimon Peres. This decision sparked three days of rioting by Palestinians, resulting in dozens of deaths on both the Israeli and Palestinian sides.
1996: Netanyahu's Victory in the 1996 Election
In 1996, the failure to prevent Deif's bombing campaign was considered a factor that led to the defeat of Prime Minister Shimon Peres and the Israeli Labor Party in the 1996 Israeli general election, resulting in the victory of Netanyahu's Likud party.
1996: Reports of friendship with Katherine Price-Mondadori
In 1996, the media reported that Netanyahu had a 20-year friendship with Katherine Price-Mondadori.
January 1997: Signing of the Hebron Protocol
In January 1997, specifically on the 14th, talks between Netanyahu and Arafat culminated in the signing of the Hebron Protocol.
September 1997: Mossad Attempt to Assassinate Khaled Mashal
In September 1997, Netanyahu authorized a Mossad operation to assassinate Hamas leader Khaled Mashal in Jordan. The Mossad team injected poison into Mashal's ears, but the plot was exposed, leading to the arrest of agents and a demand from King Hussein for the antidote. Netanyahu relented after pressure from US President Bill Clinton and ordered the release of prisoners.
1997: Police recommend Netanyahu be indicted on corruption charges.
In 1997, police recommended that Netanyahu be indicted on corruption charges for influence-peddling, but prosecutors ruled that there was insufficient evidence to go to trial.
May 1998: Exchange of Remains and Body Parts after Ansariya Ambush
In May 1998, specifically on the 25th, 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.
November 1998: Approval of the Wye River Memorandum
In November 1998, specifically on the 17th, Israel's Knesset approved the Wye River Memorandum by a vote of 75-19. The Wye River Memorandum detailed the steps to be taken by the Israeli government and Palestinian Authority to implement the earlier Interim Agreement of 1995.
1998: Netanyahu as "the advocate of the free-market"
By 1998, Netanyahu had gained a reputation as "the advocate of the free-market".
1998: Raising Pollard's Case at Wye River Summit
In 1998, Netanyahu raised the issue of Jonathan Pollard's imprisonment at the Wye River Summit. He claimed that U.S. President Bill Clinton had privately agreed to release Pollard.
1999: Netanyahu retires from politics after election defeat.
After being defeated by Ehud Barak in the 1999 Israeli prime ministerial election, Netanyahu temporarily retired from politics.
1999: Netanyahu on Peace and Free Markets
In 1999, Netanyahu told the Jerusalem Post that peace is an end in itself, but without free markets, it will not produce growth, whereas free markets without peace do produce growth.
1999: Police recommend Netanyahu be tried for corruption.
In 1999, the Israel Police recommended that Netanyahu 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.
2000: Case 2000 Involving Yedioth Ahronot
In 2000, Netanyahu was involved in Case 2000 which 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.
2000: Netanyahu expresses desire to return to politics.
With the fall of the Barak government in late 2000, Netanyahu expressed his desire to return to politics.
September 2002: Netanyahu Testifies Before U.S. House Committee Regarding Iraq
On 12 September 2002, Netanyahu testified under oath as a private citizen before the U.S. House of Representatives Government Reform Committee regarding the alleged nuclear threat posed by Iraq, advocating for the invasion of Iraq.
September 2002: Cancellation of Netanyahu's Speech at Concordia University
On 9 September 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 accused the activists of supporting terrorism and "mad zealotry".
2002: Visiting Jonathan Pollard in Prison
In 2002, Netanyahu visited Jonathan Pollard at his prison in North Carolina. The Israeli prime minister maintained contact with Pollard's wife and actively pressed the Obama administration to release Pollard.
2002: Netanyahu appointed as Foreign Minister.
In 2002, after the Israeli Labor Party left the coalition, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon appointed Netanyahu as foreign minister.
2003: Diagnosis of Right Bundle Branch Block
Around 2003, Netanyahu was diagnosed with right bundle branch block (RBBB).
2003: Netanyahu appointed as Finance Minister
Following the 2003 Israeli legislative election, Sharon offered Netanyahu the Finance Ministry.
2003: Netanyahu as Minister of Finance
In 2003, as Minister of Finance, Netanyahu introduced a significant overhaul of the Israeli economy.
2004: Netanyahu threatens to resign from office.
Netanyahu threatened to resign from office in 2004 unless the Gaza pullout plan was put to a referendum.
August 2005: Netanyahu Resigns as Finance Minister
In August 2005, specifically on the 7th, Netanyahu submitted his resignation letter as Finance Minister, shortly before the Israeli cabinet voted to approve the initial phase of withdrawal from Gaza.
September 2005: Netanyahu tried to hold early primaries
In September 2005 Netanyahu tried to hold early primaries for the position of the head of the Likud party, while the party held the office of prime minister, effectively pushing Ariel Sharon out of office, but the party rejected this initiative.
December 2005: Netanyahu Retakes Likud Leadership
On 20 December 2005, Netanyahu retook the leadership of the Likud party with 47% of the primary vote.
2005: End of Tenure as Minister of Finance
By the end of his tenure as Minister of Finance in 2005, Netanyahu was credited with an 'economic miracle', with direct investment in the Israeli economy increasing significantly.
March 2006: Likud Takes Third Place in Knesset Elections
In March 2006 Knesset elections, Likud took the third place behind Kadima and Labor and Netanyahu served as Leader of the Opposition.
March 2007: Comparison of Nazi Germany and Iran
In March 2007, during a CNN interview, Netanyahu stated that the only difference between Nazi Germany and the Islamic Republic of Iran is that Germany first entered a worldwide conflict and then sought atomic weapons, while Iran is seeking atomic weapons first and will then start a world war.
August 2007: Netanyahu Reelected as Likud Chairman
On 14 August 2007, Netanyahu was reelected as chairman of the Likud and its candidate for the post of prime minister with 73% of the vote.
April 2008: Netanyahu Repeats Remarks Comparing Iran to Nazi Germany
In April 2008, Netanyahu repeated his remarks comparing Iran to Nazi Germany at a news conference, stating that Iran is racing to arm itself with atomic bombs.
2008: Colon polyp removal
In the first half of 2008, doctors removed a small colon polyp from Netanyahu, which proved to be benign.
February 2009: Netanyahu Declines to Join Livni's Coalition, Supports New Elections
In February 2009, 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.
March 2009: Netanyahu Presents Cabinet, Forms Government
In March 2009, specifically on the 31st, Netanyahu presented his cabinet for a Knesset "Vote of Confidence", forming the 32nd Government which was approved by a majority of 69 lawmakers to 45.
June 2009: Endorsement of "Demilitarized Palestinian State"
In June 2009, following Obama's Cairo speech, Netanyahu called a special government meeting and gave a speech at Bar-Ilan University. In the speech on June 14, Netanyahu endorsed the idea of a "Demilitarized Palestinian State," stating he would accept a Palestinian state if Jerusalem remained the united capital of Israel, the Palestinians had no army, and they relinquished their demand for a right of return. He also argued for "natural growth" in existing Jewish settlements in the West Bank.
July 2009: Government Successes and Approval Rating
In July 2009, three months after starting his term, Netanyahu highlighted his cabinet's achievements, including establishing a national unity government and a broad consensus for a "two-state solution." A Ha'aretz survey in July 2009 showed most Israelis supported his government, giving him a 49 percent approval rating. He also lifted checkpoints in the West Bank, boosting its economy. Netanyahu welcomed the Arab Peace Initiative and lauded Bahrain's Crown Prince's call to normalize relations with Israel.
August 2009: Call for Recognition of Israel and a Security Settlement
On August 9, 2009, Netanyahu stated the need for the recognition of Israel as the national state of the Jewish people and a security settlement. Later in August 2009, Mahmoud Abbas expressed willingness to meet with Netanyahu at the UN General Assembly for a "triple summit" initiated by President Obama.
September 2009: Compromise over West Bank Construction
In early September 2009, Netanyahu was reportedly in a pivotal moment over understandings that included a compromise over construction in the West Bank. On September 4, 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. The White House expressed "regret" over the move.
September 2009: UN General Assembly Address on Iran
On September 24, 2009, Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly in New York, stating Iran poses a threat to world peace and must be prevented from obtaining nuclear weapons. He also responded to Iranian President Ahmadinejad's questioning of the Holocaust, invoking the memory of his family members murdered by the Nazis.
September 2009: Netanyahu's Speech at UN General Assembly
On September 24, 2009, Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly, stating that Iran's regime is motivated by fanaticism and poses a threat to civilization, contrasting with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's speech.
September 2009: Secret Flight to Moscow
On September 7, 2009, Netanyahu left his office without disclosing his destination. On September 9, 2009, reports emerged that he had made a secret flight to Moscow to persuade Russian officials not to sell S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems to Iran, leading to criticism and the reported dismissal of his military secretary. The Sunday Times reported that the trip was to share names of Russian scientists believed to be assisting Iran's nuclear weapons program.
November 2009: Partial Settlement Construction Freeze Plan
On November 25, 2009, Netanyahu announced a partial 10-month settlement construction freeze plan in response to pressure from the Obama administration. The partial freeze had little effect on actual construction. While the U.S. acknowledged its limitations, Netanyahu called it "a painful step" and urged the Palestinians to respond. The Palestinians rejected the call, deeming it "insignificant" due to continued construction in the West Bank and no freeze in East Jerusalem.
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.
2009: Clinton Voices Support for 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 Netanyahu. Netanyahu conditioned negotiations with the Palestinians on their recognition of Israel as a Jewish state.
March 2010: Approval of Construction in East Jerusalem
In March 2010, the Israeli government approved the construction of 1,600 apartments in Ramat Shlomo, a Jewish housing development in northern East Jerusalem. This occurred during a visit by U.S. Vice-president Joe Biden, prompting a strong condemnation from the U.S. government. Netanyahu defended the decision, stating it aligned with the continuous policies of previous Israeli governments and considered the area part of Israel in any proposed final agreement plan. He regretted the timing of the announcement.
September 2010: Agreement to Direct Talks with Palestinians
In September 2010, Netanyahu agreed to enter direct talks with the Palestinians, mediated by the Obama administration, aiming for a "final status settlement" to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. On September 27, 2010, the 10-month settlement freeze ended, and the Israeli government approved new construction in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
2010: Formation of the Concentration Committee
In 2010, Netanyahu formed the Concentration Committee, which's recommendations resulted in the Business Concentration Law, aiming to open Israel's concentrated economy to competition, lowering consumer prices, reducing income inequality, and increasing economic growth.
July 2011: Robert Gates' Criticism and Likud's Defense
Upon retiring in July 2011, former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates criticized Netanyahu for being ungrateful to the United States and endangering Israel. In response, the Likud party defended Netanyahu, citing his broad support in Israel and the United States.
September 2011: Trajtenberg Committee Recommendations
In September 2011, the Trajtenberg Committee, appointed by Netanyahu and headed by professor Manuel Trajtenberg, submitted recommendations to lower the high cost of living in Israel, following social justice protests across the country. While Netanyahu promised to implement the reforms in one piece, differences within his coalition led to a gradual adoption.
November 2011: Security Cooperation with the U.S.
According to a U.S. State Department representative, in November 2011, under the leadership of Netanyahu and Obama, Israel and the United States enjoyed unprecedented security cooperation.
November 2011: Biden Remarks on Relationship with Netanyahu
In November 2011, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden stated that his relationship with Netanyahu has lasted for 39 years.
2011: Sarkozy and Obama criticize Netanyahu
During the 2011 G-20 Cannes summit, then-French president Nicolas Sarkozy was overheard telling then-U.S. president Barack Obama that he couldn't bear Netanyahu and considered him a liar. Obama reportedly responded that he had to deal with Netanyahu 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".
May 2012: Recognition of Palestinian Right to a State
In May 2012, Netanyahu officially recognized the right for Palestinians to have their own state in an official document. This was articulated in a letter to Mahmoud Abbas, although he stipulated it would have to be demilitarized.
September 2012: Netanyahu's Speech to UN General Assembly
On September 28, 2012, Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly, setting a "red line" of 90% uranium enrichment for Iran, using a cartoon graphic of a bomb to illustrate the perceived threat.
October 2012: Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu Merger
On October 25, 2012, Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman announced that their political parties, Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu, had merged and would run together on a single ballot in the January 2013 general elections.
November 2012: End of Ceasefire Agreement
In November 2012, the ceasefire agreement formally ended.
2012: Consideration of Military Action Against Iran
By 2012, Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak were considering possible Israeli military action against Iran's nuclear facilities, leading to accusations of acting on "messianic" impulses.
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.
2012: Ties with US Republican Party
In 2012, Netanyahu maintained close ties with the congressional leadership of the U.S. Republican Party and with its 2012 presidential candidate, Mitt Romney. The two became acquainted while working at the Boston Consulting Group in the mid-1970s.
2012: Prevention of Infiltration Law
In 2012, Netanyahu's government passed the "Prevention of Infiltration Law", mandating automatic detention for people entering Israel without permission, a law that Amnesty International criticized.
2012: Biden remarks on his relationship with Netanyahu
In the 2012 U.S. vice presidential debate, Joe Biden stated that his relationship with Netanyahu has lasted for 39 years.
January 2013: Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu run on a single ballot
Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman parties Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu, ran together on a single ballot in Israel's January 22, 2013 general elections.
May 2013: Conflicting Commitments in Terror-Financing Case
Prior to a state visit to China in May 2013, Netanyahu reportedly made a conflicting promise to the Government of China regarding Israel's cooperation in the terror-financing case against Bank of China, creating a conflict with prior commitments to the family of terror victim Daniel Wultz.
July 2013: Issuance of Tenders for Private Ports
In July 2013, Netanyahu issued tenders for the construction of private ports in Haifa and Ashdod. This initiative was part of his campaign to break the monopoly held by workers of the Israel Port Authority, with the aim of lowering consumer prices and increasing exports.
August 2013: Ros-Lehtinen Raises Wultz Case with Israeli Officials
In August 2013, Representative Ros-Lehtinen raised the issue of the Wultz family's lawsuit with Israeli officials, emphasizing the importance of their cooperation in providing the family what they needed for their case.
October 2013: Interview with BBC Persian Service
In an October 2013 interview with BBC Persian Service, Netanyahu praised the history of Persia and warned that if the Iranian regime has nuclear weapons, the Iranian people will never be free.
December 2013: Approval of the Business Concentration Law
In December 2013, the Knesset approved the Business Concentration Law, aimed at opening Israel's concentrated economy to competition, lowering consumer prices, reducing income inequality, and increasing economic growth. Netanyahu's government pushed forward this bill to implement the recommendations of the Concentration Committee.
2013: Trump endorses Netanyahu
In 2013, Donald Trump made a video endorsing Netanyahu during the Israeli elections, calling him a terrific guy, leader, and great for Israel.
2013: Supreme Court Ruling on Prevention of Infiltration Law
In 2013, after the Supreme Court of Israel declared the "Prevention of Infiltration Law" illegal, Netanyahu requested new legislation to circumvent the ruling.
June 2014: Concerns over Hamas-PA Unity Government and Kidnapping
In June 2014, Netanyahu expressed concerns over the Hamas and Palestinian Authority unity government and criticized the US and European governments' decision to work with the coalition. He blamed Hamas for the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers in June 2014, launching a massive search and arrest operation in the West Bank and hitting 60 targets in Gaza.
October 2014: Obama administration official calls Netanyahu 'chickenshit'
In October 2014, Jeffrey Goldberg reported that a senior official of 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 clarified that such statements were unacceptable and damaging.
October 2014: Government Approves Privatization Plan and Criticism of Settlements
In October 2014, Netanyahu's government approved a privatization plan to reduce corruption and politicization in government companies. Also in October 2014, Netanyahu criticized settlements and said that he does not accept residency restrictions for Jews, which earned him rebuke from the White House.
December 2014: Netanyahu Fires Ministers, Dissolves Government
On December 2, 2014, Netanyahu fired ministers Yair Lapid and Tzipi Livni. This led to the dissolution of the government and the scheduling of new elections.
March 2015: Address to United States Congress
In March 2015, Benjamin Netanyahu delivered his third speech to a joint session of the United States Congress, amidst controversy and objections from U.S. Jewish communities and the Obama administration.
March 2015: New Elections Scheduled
In March 2015, new elections were held following the dissolution of the government after Netanyahu fired ministers Yair Lapid and Tzipi Livni in December 2014.
May 2015: Returns as Prime Minister After Election
In May 2015, following the election, Netanyahu returned as prime minister, with his party Likud leading with 30 mandates. He formed a coalition government just before the deadline after being granted an extension by President Rivlin.
August 2015: Government Approves Two-Year Budget
In August 2015, Netanyahu's government approved a two-year budget aimed at agricultural reforms, lowering import duties, deregulating construction approval, and reforming the financial sector. However, compromises were made by removing some key agricultural reforms.
October 2015: Controversial Claim About the Grand Mufti and Hitler
In October 2015, Netanyahu caused controversy by 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 and criticized by Israeli academics.
2015: Mossad Assessment Leaked
According to cables leaked in 2015, 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.
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 about yielding territory to radical Islamic terrorists. However, he also reiterated his desire for a peaceful, sustainable two-state solution.
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.
March 2016: Coalition Crisis Over Western Wall Prayer Space
In March 2016, Netanyahu's coalition faced a potential crisis when ultra-Orthodox members threatened to withdraw over proposed government steps to create non-Orthodox prayer space at the Western Wall.
December 2016: UN Resolution on Israeli Settlements
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. President-elect Trump attempted to intervene, but the resolution passed 14 to 0. Netanyahu's office alleged the Obama administration colluded with the UN against Israel.
December 2016: U.S. Abstains from UN Security Council Resolution 2334
On December 23, 2016, the United States, under the Obama Administration, abstained from United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, effectively allowing it to pass, which led to criticism from Netanyahu.
2016: Israel to wait until after 2016 election to repair relations with White House
Due to evident rifts between Netanyahu and members of the Obama administration, by October 2014 observers had characterized the relationship as having reached a crisis level. Goldberg reported that conversations with Netanyahu and other Israeli officials indicated that Israel would wait until after the 2016 presidential election before attempting to repair the relationship with the White House.
2016: Closeness to Donald Trump
From 2016, Benjamin Netanyahu made his closeness to Donald Trump central to his political appeal.
January 2017: Government Withdraws Dues from UN
In January 2017, the Israeli government withdrew its annual dues from the United Nations, totaling $6 million USD, in response to UN Resolution 2334 and criticism from U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in December 2016.
January 2017: Police Investigation: Case 1000 and Case 2000
Since January 2017, Netanyahu has been under investigation by Israeli police in "Case 1000" and "Case 2000". Case 1000 involves inappropriate favors from businessmen, while Case 2000 involves alleged attempts to strike a deal with the publisher of Yedioth Ahronot for favorable coverage.
February 2017: First Serving Prime Minister to Visit Australia
In February 2017, Netanyahu became the first serving prime minister of Israel to visit Australia, accompanied by his wife and a business delegation. During the three-day visit, bilateral agreements were scheduled to be signed with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
August 2017: Police Confirm Netanyahu Suspected of Crimes
In August 2017, Israeli police confirmed that Netanyahu was suspected of fraud, breach of trust, and bribes in Cases 1000 and 2000. His former chief of staff, Ari Harow, signed a deal to testify against him.
October 2017: Government Announces Leaving UNESCO
In October 2017, Netanyahu's government announced it was leaving UNESCO due to perceived anti-Israel actions by the agency, following a similar announcement by the US. The decision was made official in December 2017.
December 2017: Israel Officially Notifies UNESCO of Withdrawal
In late December 2017, the Israeli government officially notified UNESCO of its withdrawal from the organization, following its announcement in October 2017 due to perceived anti-Israel actions.
2017: Call for Death Penalty for Halamish Attacker
In 2017, Netanyahu called for the death penalty for the perpetrator of the 2017 Halamish stabbing attack, leading to a bill being introduced to the Knesset.
January 2018: Preliminary Vote on Death Penalty Bill
In January 2018, a preliminary vote in the Israeli parliament favored a bill that would allow the death penalty for terrorism.
February 2018: Police Recommend Indictment for Corruption
In February 2018, Israeli police recommended that Netanyahu be charged with corruption, citing sufficient evidence for indictment on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in Cases 1000 and 2000. Netanyahu maintained that the allegations were baseless.
April 2018: Accusations Against Iran Regarding Nuclear Deal
In April 2018, Netanyahu accused Iran of not holding up its end of the Iran nuclear deal, presenting a cache of documents detailing Iran's nuclear program. Iran denounced this presentation as "propaganda".
April 2018: Erdoğan calls Israel 'terror state'
In April 2018, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan escalated tensions with Netanyahu by calling Israel a "terror state" and Netanyahu a "terrorist".
July 2018: Knesset Passes the Nation-State Bill
In July 2018, the Knesset passed the Nation-State Bill, a Basic Law supported by Netanyahu's coalition government. Analysts viewed this bill as an indication of Netanyahu's coalition advancing a right-wing agenda.
November 2018: Recommendation for Indictment in Both Cases
In November 2018, Economic Crimes Division Director Liat Ben-Ari recommended indictment for Netanyahu in both Cases 1000 and 2000.
2018: Netanyahu develops relationship with Bolsonaro
In 2018, Netanyahu developed a close relationship with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro following Bolsonaro's election.
2018: Praises North Korea-United States Summit
In 2018, Netanyahu praised the 2018 North Korea–United States summit, commending US President Donald Trump for the effort to rid the Korean peninsula of nuclear weapons.
2018: Crisis in Israel-Poland relations
In 2018, a crisis in Israel-Poland relations arose after the Polish prime minister made comments about Jewish perpetrators of the Holocaust. Netanyahu called the comments outrageous. The crisis was resolved in late June 2018 with a joint communiqué endorsing research into the Jewish Holocaust.
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 three different cases.
March 2019: Netanyahu-Erdoğan Spat
In March 2019, tensions escalated between Netanyahu and Turkish President Erdoğan after Netanyahu stated Israel was the nation-state of the Jewish people only, leading Erdoğan to denounce him as a racist. Netanyahu retorted by calling Erdoğan a dictator and criticizing 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 uniting the Jewish Home party with the far-right Otzma Yehudit party. This deal was criticized due to Otzma's extremist and racist views.
June 2019: Settlement renamed after Donald Trump
In June 2019, Netanyahu officially renamed a settlement in the disputed Golan Heights after then US president Donald Trump.
November 2019: Formally Indicted on Bribe and Fraud Charges
On November 21, 2019, Netanyahu was formally indicted on bribe and fraud charges. As a result, on November 23, 2019, it was announced that Netanyahu would relinquish his agriculture, health, social affairs and diaspora affairs portfolios.
January 2020: Trump considers endorsing Benny Gantz
In January 2020, Trump became frustrated with Netanyahu's rhetoric regarding annexation of the Jordan Valley and considered endorsing his political opponent, Benny Gantz.
January 2020: Officially Charged in Corruption Cases
On January 28, 2020, Netanyahu was officially charged in the corruption cases, marking a significant moment as the first sitting prime minister in Israel's history to face criminal charges.
May 2020: Criminal Trial Set to Begin
Netanyahu's criminal trial was set to begin on May 24, 2020, after being delayed from its initial March schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 2020: Sworn in for Fifth Term Amid Protests
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, which he attempted to disperse using COVID-19 regulations, but this only led to larger and more widespread demonstrations.
September 2020: Signing of the Abraham Accords
On 15 September 2020, Netanyahu, along with Bahrain's foreign minister and the UAE's foreign minister, signed the Abraham Accords at the White House in Washington, D.C., marking the full normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
2020: Praise of U.S. Airstrike Killing Soleimani
In 2020, Netanyahu praised the U.S. military's Baghdad International Airport airstrike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, stating that Trump acted "swiftly, forcefully and decisively".
March 2021: Israel Achieves Highest Vaccination Rate
By March 2021, under Netanyahu's leadership, Israel became the country with the highest vaccinated population per capita in the world against COVID-19.
June 2021: Removed from Premiership
In June 2021, Benjamin Netanyahu was removed from the position of Prime Minister of Israel.
June 2021: Ousted as Prime Minister
On June 13, 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
After the 2022 election, Netanyahu was sworn in as prime minister again on December 29, 2022, leading a hardline coalition for his sixth term.
2022: Led Opposition into 2022 Election
Following the end of his second premiership, Netanyahu led the opposition into the 2022 Israeli legislative election, with Likud remaining the largest party in the Knesset.
2022: Became Prime Minister of Israel
In 2022, Benjamin Netanyahu became the Prime Minister of Israel again after previously holding the office.
2022: Netanyahu's book on Putin
In 2022, Netanyahu's book was published, in which he wrote positively about Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing him as smart and focused on restoring Russia's historical greatness. However, their relationship became strained following the start of the Gaza war.
February 2023: Legalization of nine settler outposts in the occupied West Bank
In February 2023, the new government under Netanyahu approved the legalization of nine settler outposts in the occupied West Bank, drawing condemnation from Israeli peace groups who viewed it as de jure annexation of the occupied territories.
March 2023: Repeal of 2005 Law Dismantling Settlements
In March 2023, Netanyahu's government repealed a 2005 law that dismantled four Israeli settlements (Homesh, Sa-Nur, Ganim, and Kadim) as part of the Israeli disengagement from Gaza.
April 2023: Criminal Trial Still Ongoing
As of April 2023, Netanyahu's criminal trial was still ongoing, indicating a prolonged legal battle.
June 2023: Changes to Settlement Construction Approval Process
In June 2023, Netanyahu's coalition shortened the procedure for approving settlement construction, granting Finance Minister Smotrich authority to approve one of the stages, altering a 27-year-old system.
July 2023: Pacemaker implanted
On July 22, 2023, a pacemaker was implanted in Netanyahu's body.
October 2023: Criticism and Protests Following Hamas Attack
In October 2023, Netanyahu faced criticism for presiding over Israel's biggest intelligence failure in 50 years, leading to protests calling for his removal. A poll in 2023 showed that 56% of Israelis believed that Netanyahu must resign after the war.
November 2023: Rejection of Ceasefire Calls and Stance on Gaza
In November 2023, Netanyahu rejected calls for a ceasefire in the war, asserting that Israel would stand firm and maintain its presence in Gaza as long as necessary, also preventing the Palestinian Authority's return.
December 2023: Criticism During Meeting with Released Hostages
In December 2023, Netanyahu faced criticism during a meeting with released Israeli hostages, with one accusing him of prioritizing politics over the return of the kidnapped. He also advocated for the "voluntary migration" of Palestinians from Gaza.
2023: Netanyahu's diplomacy with China
Since 2023, Netanyahu and Chinese President Xi Jinping have engaged in diplomacy due to strained ties between the US and Israel. This situation has been complicated by the Gaza war, where China has remained neutral.
March 2024: Hernia discovered
In March 2024, a hernia was discovered on Netanyahu.
May 2024: ICC Prosecutor to Apply for Arrest Warrant
In May 2024, Karim Khan, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, announced his intention to apply for an arrest warrant for Netanyahu on alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
July 2024: Address to US Congress and Meeting with Donald Trump
In July 2024, Netanyahu addressed a joint session of the United States Congress amidst protests to solicit support for the Gaza war. He met with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago and criticized Kamala Harris's stance on Gaza.
July 2024: Pakistan Officially Designates Netanyahu a Terrorist
In July 2024, Pakistan officially designated Netanyahu a "terrorist", calling him responsible for the atrocities in Gaza.
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.
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 at the time, and he accused Hezbollah of attempting to assassinate him.
November 2024: Firing of Defense Minister and ICC 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. Netanyahu rejected the ruling as "absurd and false lies" and "antisemitic".
November 2024: ICC issued arrest warrant for Netanyahu
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: Prostate removal
In December 2024, Netanyahu's prostate was removed following a urinary tract infection caused by an enlargement.
December 2024: Directed an invasion of Syria
In December 2024, after the fall of the Assad regime, Benjamin Netanyahu directed an invasion of Syria against the current Syrian government.
March 2025: Surprise Attack on Gaza and Postponement of Corruption Trial
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 scheduled corruption trial was postponed as a result of the attacks. Also in March 2025, Netanyahu fired Ronen Bar, chief of Shin Bet.
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