Benjamin Netanyahu: The Enigma That Is Israel's Longest-Serving PM

From humble beginnings, he has risen to become a towering figure in Israeli politics. His life and career have been marked by triumphs and setbacks, controversies and accomplishments. Meet Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister.
In the annals of Israeli history, Benjamin Netanyahu stands as a paradoxical figure. An enigma wrapped in layers of brilliance, ambition, and determination, he has been both revered and reviled during his decades-long political career.
Netanyahu was born in Tel Aviv in 1949, the son of a Polish-born historian and a Romanian-born nurse. After serving in the Israeli Defense Forces, he studied economics and political science in the United States. He returned to Israel in 1976 and entered politics, quickly rising through the ranks of the Likud party.
In 1996, at the age of 46, Netanyahu was elected Prime Minister, becoming the youngest person to hold the office. His first term was marked by economic growth and the signing of the Oslo Accords, a pivotal moment in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. However, his hard-line stance on security and his support for settlement expansion in the occupied territories alienated many on the left.
After losing office in 1999, Netanyahu returned as Prime Minister in 2009. He has since served an unprecedented four consecutive terms, dominating Israeli politics with an iron grip. His tenure has been characterized by both stability and turmoil, with periods of relative calm punctuated by bouts of violence and political unrest.
One of Netanyahu's most controversial policies has been his consistent support for the expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, which most of the international community considers illegal. He has also been unwavering in his opposition to the creation of an independent Palestinian state, citing concerns about Israel's security.
Despite his staunch policies, Netanyahu has also been pragmatic when it suits his interests. He has reached out to Arab leaders, including those from Egypt and Jordan, to foster regional cooperation and combat terrorism. He has also overseen a significant increase in economic growth and technological innovation within Israel.

His supporters

His detractors

Netanyahu is a complex and enigmatic figure, a man of contradictions and unwavering convictions. He is a master politician who has outmaneuvered his opponents and dominated Israeli politics for decades. Yet, his legacy is likely to be debated for years to come, with historians and pundits weighing his accomplishments against his failures.
One thing is certain: Benjamin Netanyahu has left an indelible mark on the State of Israel. Whether his legacy will be viewed favorably or not remains to be seen. But there is no doubt that he will continue to be a topic of fascination and debate for years to come.