Benjamin Netanyahu

Benjamin Netanyahu (born October 21, 1949) is an Israeli politician and diplomat who has served as Prime Minister of Israel in two separate periods: 1996-1999 and 2009-2021, making him one of Israel's longest-serving leaders. Born in Tel Aviv to a Polish-Jewish academic family, Netanyahu grew up in the United States before returning to Israel to serve in the Israel Defense Forces, including in an elite special forces unit. Before his political career, he worked as a diplomat and businessman. His first tenure as Prime Minister focused on security issues and peace negotiations with the Palestinian Authority. His second, longer tenure was marked by economic growth, but also by increased tensions with Palestine, continued settlement expansion, and complex relationships with various international powers. Netanyahu has been a vocal advocate for strong security measures and a hard-line stance on Palestinian negotiations. His political career has been highly polarizing both domestically and internationally, with supporters crediting him with strengthening Israel's economy and security, while critics oppose his settlement policies and approach to Palestinian issues.