Benjamin Netanyahu's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Benjamin Netanyahu.

Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu is a prominent Israeli politician and diplomat. He currently serves as the Prime Minister of Israel, a position he assumed in 2022. Notably, he also held the same office from 1996 to 1999 and again from 2009 to 2021. His cumulative time in office makes him the longest-serving prime minister in Israeli history, marking a significant impact on the nation's political landscape.

Sections (6)

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

1993: Victory in Likud party election

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

May 1996: Won the election

Netanyahu won the 1996 election on 29 May 1996, becoming the youngest person in the history of the position.

1996: Netanyahu's Victory in the 1996 Israeli General Election

In 1996, Deif's bombing campaign and perceived failures of Israeli intelligence contributed to the defeat of Prime Minister Shimon Peres and the Labor Party in the Israeli general election. This led to the victory of Netanyahu's Likud party, which opposed the Oslo Accords. After the 1996 election, attacks ceased for almost a year.

1996: Became Prime Minister of Israel

In the 1996 general election, Netanyahu became the first Israeli prime minister elected directly by popular vote.

December 2005: Retaking Likud Leadership in December 2005

On December 20, 2005, Netanyahu retook the leadership with 47% of the primary vote.

2005: Netanyahu's Economic Policies Credited with 'Economic Miracle'

By 2005, commentators widely credited Netanyahu with an 'economic miracle' due to the booming Israeli economy and reduced unemployment.

August 2007: Reelection as Chairman of Likud in August 2007

On August 14, 2007, Netanyahu was reelected as chairman of the Likud and its candidate for the post of prime minister with 73% of the vote.

February 2009: Designation as Prime Minister in February 2009

In the February 2009 election, Likud won the second highest number of seats. Netanyahu claimed victory and on February 20, 2009, was designated by Israeli President Shimon Peres to succeed Ehud Olmert as prime minister, beginning negotiations to form a coalition government.

March 2009: Formation of Government

In March 2009, despite a right-wing majority in the Knesset, Netanyahu sought a centrist coalition. After Tzipi Livni declined due to peace process disagreements, Ehud Barak's Labor Party joined, lending a centrist tone. On March 31, 2009, Netanyahu's government was approved by a 69-45 vote and sworn in.

July 2009: Government Successes and Public Approval

In July 2009, three months into his term, Netanyahu highlighted his government's successes, including national unity and consensus on a "two-state solution." A Ha'aretz survey in July 2009 showed high approval, and Netanyahu lifted West Bank checkpoints, boosting the economy. He also welcomed the Arab Peace Initiative.

May 2015: Netanyahu Returns as Prime Minister

In May 2015, Netanyahu's party, Likud, won the election with 30 mandates. He was granted an extension to build a coalition and formed a government with Jewish Home, United Torah Judaism, Kulanu, and Shas by the May 6 deadline.

February 2017: First Serving Prime Minister of Israel to Visit Australia

In February 2017, Netanyahu became the first serving prime minister of Israel to visit Australia. The three-day official visit included a delegation of business representatives, and bilateral agreements with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

2018: Praised the 2018 North Korea–United States summit

In 2018, Netanyahu praised the 2018 North Korea–United States summit.

June 2019: Settlement Renamed After Donald Trump

In June 2019, Netanyahu officially renamed a settlement in the disputed Golan Heights after Donald Trump.

September 2020: Abraham Accords Signed

On September 15, 2020, the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, were signed at the White House.

October 2020: Sudan to Normalize Ties with Israel

In October 2020, U.S. President Trump announced that Sudan would begin normalizing relations with Israel as part of the Abraham Accords, making it the third Arab state to do so. Netanyahu expressed his gratitude to "President Trump and his team above all".

March 2021: Israel Leads in COVID-19 Vaccination

By March 2021, Israel became the country with the highest vaccinated population per capita in the world against COVID-19.

December 2022: Netanyahu Sworn in as Prime Minister Again

In December 2022, following the 2022 election, Netanyahu was sworn in as prime minister again as the leader of a hardline coalition. He officially started his sixth term on December 29, 2022.