Benjamin Netanyahu: The Man and the Prime Minister

Early Life and Military Career

Benjamin Netanyahu was born in Tel Aviv in 1949. His father, Benzion Netanyahu, was a historian and Zionist activist. Netanyahu spent part of his childhood in the United States, where his father taught at several universities. He returned to Israel in 1963 and served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from 1967 to 1972. Netanyahu fought in the Six-Day War in 1967 and the Yom Kippur War in 1973. He was wounded in action during the Yom Kippur War.

Political Career

Netanyahu began his political career in 1988, when he was elected to the Knesset, Israel's parliament. He served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1996 to 1999 and again from 2002 to 2003. Netanyahu was elected Prime Minister of Israel in 1996 and again in 2009. He is the longest-serving Prime Minister in Israeli history.

Policies

Netanyahu is a conservative politician. He supports free market economics and a strong national defense. Netanyahu is also a strong supporter of the settlements in the West Bank and the Golan Heights. He opposes the creation of a Palestinian state.

Personal Life

Netanyahu is married to Sara Netanyahu. They have three children. Netanyahu is a fluent speaker of English, Hebrew, and Arabic.