Benjamin Netanyahu's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu is an Israeli politician and diplomat, currently serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2022. He also held the position from 1996 to 1999 and again from 2009 to 2021. Notably, Netanyahu is the longest-serving prime minister in Israel's history.

Sections (6)

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

1993: Election as Chair of Likud

In 1993, Netanyahu rose to prominence after being elected as chair of the Likud party, becoming the leader of the opposition.

1993: Victory in Likud Party Leadership Election

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

May 1996: Victory in the 1996 Israeli Legislative Election

On 29 May 1996, 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.

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

In 1996, the bombing campaign led by Deif and the failure of Israeli intelligence to prevent it were factors that contributed to the defeat of Prime Minister Shimon Peres and the Israeli Labor Party in the 1996 Israeli general election. This resulted in the victory of Netanyahu's Likud party, which opposed the Oslo Accords. After Netanyahu's victory, the attacks stopped for almost a year.

1996: Election as Prime Minister

In the 1996 general election, Netanyahu achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Israeli prime minister elected directly by popular vote.

December 2005: Retaking the Likud Leadership

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

August 2007: Reelection 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.

February 2009: Designation as Prime Minister

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

March 2009: Approval of the 32nd Government

In March 2009, Netanyahu presented his cabinet for a Knesset "Vote of Confidence" on 31 March 2009. The 32nd Government was approved that day by a majority of 69 lawmakers to 45 and the members were sworn in.

July 2009: Government Approval and Economic Actions

In July 2009, a survey found most Israelis supported Netanyahu's government, giving him an approval rating of 49 percent. Netanyahu lifted checkpoints in the West Bank to allow free movement and flow of imports, which resulted in an economic boost during July 2009.

2009: Return as Prime Minister

After the 2009 legislative election, Netanyahu successfully formed a coalition and became prime minister once again.

May 2015: Formation of Coalition Government

In May 2015, Netanyahu returned with his party Likud leading the elections and President Rivlin granted Netanyahu an extension to build a coalition. He formed a coalition government within two hours of the midnight 6 May deadline with Jewish Home, United Torah Judaism, Kulanu, and Shas.

March 2021: Israel leads in COVID-19 vaccinations per capita

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