Benjamin Netanyahu is one of the most well-known and controversial political figures in Israeli history. With a political career spanning several decades, multiple terms as Prime Minister, and a long list of controversies, Netanyahu has remained a powerful force in both Israeli and global politics. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated at $13 million, according to the latest reports. At 74 years old, Netanyahu continues to hold significant political influence, serving once again as Prime Minister after winning re-election in November 2022.
Early Life and Academic Path
Born on October 21, 1949, in Tel Aviv, Benjamin Netanyahu was the second of three children in a secular Jewish family. His father, Benzion Netanyahu, was a historian and a staunch Zionist, while his mother, Tzila, was a homemaker. The family later moved to Jerusalem, where Netanyahu began his education at Henrietta Szold Elementary School.
His teenage years were spent in the United States, after the family relocated to Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania. There, he attended Cheltenham High School and took part in debate, soccer, and chess. His classmates included future baseball legend Reggie Jackson. After high school, Netanyahu returned to Israel to serve in the Israel Defense Forces, joining the elite Sayeret Matkal unit. He served from 1967 to 1972, participating in several special operations.
Following his military service, Netanyahu went back to the U.S. and attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He earned a degree in architecture and later a master’s from the Sloan School of Management. He began a doctoral program but stopped after the death of his brother Yonatan Netanyahu in the 1976 Operation Entebbe raid in Uganda.
Starting a Political Career
In the late 1970s, Netanyahu worked as an economic consultant at the Boston Consulting Group. He returned to Israel shortly after and founded the Yonatan Netanyahu Anti-Terror Institute in memory of his brother. By 1984, he had become Israel’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, a post he held for four years. This role allowed him to build diplomatic experience and a reputation as a skilled communicator.
Back in Israel in the early 1990s, Netanyahu quickly rose through the ranks of the Likud party, becoming its leader after a defeat in the 1992 elections. In 1996, he ran against Prime Minister Shimon Peres and narrowly won, becoming Israel’s youngest-ever Prime Minister at the age of 46.
First Term as Prime Minister (1996–1999)
During his first term, Netanyahu oversaw a series of economic liberalizations, aimed at modernizing and opening Israel’s economy. He also engaged in peace negotiations with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, although the efforts were often tense and filled with setbacks. His decision to approve the botched assassination attempt on Hamas leader Khaled Mashal in Jordan created diplomatic tensions.
His leadership style drew criticism for being divisive, and multiple scandals—including corruption allegations—damaged his public image. In the 1999 elections, he was defeated by Ehud Barak, leading him to take a break from politics.
Private Sector and Return to Office
After stepping down, Netanyahu entered the private sector and worked as a consultant, including a notable stint with BATM Advanced Communications. He remained politically active and was brought back into the cabinet when Ariel Sharon became Prime Minister in 2001. Netanyahu was appointed Foreign Minister and later Finance Minister, where he introduced major economic reforms. These included welfare cuts and tax reductions aimed at boosting investment and growth, winning praise from many economists.
However, Netanyahu resigned in 2005 in protest of Sharon’s Gaza disengagement plan, which involved evacuating Israeli settlements in Gaza.
Second and Third Terms (2009–2021)
In 2009, despite Likud finishing second in the elections, Netanyahu formed a coalition government and returned as Prime Minister. He held the post until 2021, making him Israel’s longest-serving Prime Minister.
These years were marked by economic expansion, improved foreign relations with some Arab nations, and a hardline stance on Iran. Under his leadership, Israel signed the Abraham Accords with several Arab countries in 2020, a rare diplomatic achievement in the region.
However, his leadership was also divisive at home. Critics accused him of fueling societal rifts and eroding Israel’s democratic institutions. Political instability led to four elections between 2019 and 2021, eventually resulting in Netanyahu being ousted by a coalition led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid in June 2021.
Return to Power in 2022
Despite legal troubles and ongoing investigations, Netanyahu staged a comeback in the November 2022 elections. Likud won the most seats, and he formed a government with far-right and religious parties. His return raised fresh concerns among critics over judicial reforms and the direction of Israeli democracy.
Criminal Charges and Legal Battles
In 2019, Netanyahu was officially indicted on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three separate cases. The indictments accused him of accepting lavish gifts from billionaires and trading favors for positive media coverage.
These ongoing trials have not only damaged his reputation but also divided public opinion in Israel. If convicted, he could face up to 13 years in prison. Yet, he remains defiant, calling the charges a politically motivated witch hunt.
Netanyahu has also come under international legal scrutiny, especially over military actions in Gaza and the West Bank. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has received filings accusing him of war crimes. While his government argues these actions are part of Israel’s right to self-defense, human rights groups continue to challenge the civilian toll and the legality of his policies.
Personal Life
Netanyahu has been married three times. His first marriage was to Miriam Weizmann, with whom he had a daughter, Noa, born in 1978. After their separation, he married Fleur Cates in 1981, though they divorced in 1984.
In 1991, he married Sara Ben-Artzi, a former flight attendant. The couple has two sons: Yair, known for his vocal presence on social media, and Avner, who has served in the IDF and participated in national Bible quizzes. Despite controversies—including reports of extramarital affairs and alleged misuse of public funds—Sara has remained a constant presence in his political life.
Final Thoughts
With a net worth of $13 million and a career filled with both political success and controversy, Benjamin Netanyahu remains one of the most polarizing figures in Israeli politics. From battlefield service to elite education, from economic reforms to legal indictments, his story is layered and complex.
Some view him as a defender of national security and economic growth, while others criticize him for authoritarian tendencies and corruption. As of 2024, Netanyahu continues to shape Israel’s future—for better or worse—and his name will remain central to any discussion about the country’s modern history.
