Benjamin Netanyahu

Date of Birth: October 21, 1949

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Biography

Benjamin Netanyahu, born on October 21, 1949, is an Israeli politician who has served as the Prime Minister of Israel for multiple terms. He is the longest-serving Prime Minister in Israeli history, having held office from 1996 to 1999 and then again from 2009 to 2021. Netanyahu’s political career began in earnest in the 1980s, following a distinguished military service in the IDF’s elite Sayeret Matkal unit and a career in diplomacy. He has been a prominent member of the Likud party, advocating for conservative economic policies and a firm stance on national security. Netanyahu was born in Tel Aviv to a secular Jewish family with roots in Eastern Europe. His father, Benzion Netanyahu, was a noted historian. Benjamin spent part of his youth in the United States, where he attended high school and later earned degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He also studied at Harvard University. His tenure as Prime Minister has been marked by significant events, including the signing of the Wye River Memorandum, various military operations, and efforts to thwart Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Netanyahu has been a polarizing figure, admired by many for his leadership and strategic acumen but also critiqued for his hardline policies and legal controversies.

5 Interesting Facts about Benjamin Netanyahu

1. Benjamin Netanyahu served in the elite Sayeret Matkal unit of the Israel Defense Forces and took part in various combat operations.

2. He is the first Israeli Prime Minister born after the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.

3. Netanyahu holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture and a Master of Science degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

4. He has authored several books on terrorism and international security.

5. Netanyahu’s brother, Yonatan Netanyahu, was killed during Operation Entebbe, a famous hostage rescue mission in Uganda.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Benjamin Netanyahu

1. “The Middle East is a region where the weak don’t survive.”

2. “If the Arabs put down their weapons today, there would be no more violence. If the Jews put down their weapons today, there would be no more Israel.”

3. “Iran is the world’s greatest sponsor of terrorism, and their stated goal is to destroy Israel.”

4. “Peace is purchased from strength. It’s not purchased from weakness or unilateral retreats.”

5. “The purpose of the Jewish state is to secure the Jewish future.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As of 2021, Benjamin Netanyahu’s highest net worth was estimated to be approximately $14 million.

Children

Benjamin Netanyahu has three children. He has a daughter, Noa, from his first marriage to Miriam Weizmann. With his third wife, Sara Ben-Artzi, he has two sons: Yair and Avner.