Who is Benjamin Netanyahu?

Summary

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving leader, has had a contentious political career marked by opposition to the Oslo Peace Accords and rejection of a Palestinian state. His tenure has been characterized by legal issues, including charges of fraud and bribery. Despite criticisms and a history of military actions, Netanyahu has maintained power through alliances with religious conservatives and far-right factions, significantly influencing Israel's destiny with a focus on security and settlement expansion in Palestinian territories.

Takeaways

• 😐 Benjamin Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving leader, having held office six times.
• 🏛️ Netanyahu was initially a critic of the 1993 Oslo Peace process and has since rejected the idea of an independent Palestinian state.
• 🔥 He faced controversy for his association with far-right extremism and was implicated in inciting violence against Yitzhak Rabin, the Israeli Prime Minister at the time.
• 🍽️ Despite not being a religious hardliner, Netanyahu has found support among religious conservatives who oppose the two-state solution.
• 🔄 Netanyahu has experienced periods of political ups and downs, with his tenure marked by various legal battles and charges of corruption.
• 🏆 He became Israel's youngest prime minister in 1996 after campaigning against the Oslo Peace Accords.
• 🚧 Netanyahu's tenure has been marked by increased Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories and a hardline stance on security.
• 🛡️ Under his administration, Israel developed the Iron Dome system and conducted multiple military operations in Gaza.
• 🏢 In 2022, Netanyahu returned to power by forming a coalition with far-right and religious Zionist parties, including some with extremist views.
• 🏗️ His government has accelerated settlement construction in East Jerusalem and expanded Israeli control over Palestinian territories.

Q & A

How many times has Benjamin Netanyahu served as Israel's Prime Minister?

Benjamin Netanyahu has held office six times, making him Israel's longest-serving leader.

What was Netanyahu's stance on the 1993 Oslo Peace process?

Netanyahu was a staunch critic of the 1993 Oslo Peace process between Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization.

What incident involving Netanyahu is associated with the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin?

Netanyahu attended far-right rallies where crowds chanted 'death to Arabs' and 'death to Rabin', and he was blamed for fanning the flames of far-right extremism that led to Rabin's death.

Has Netanyahu always been a religious hardliner?

No, Netanyahu was not a religious hardliner. In 2023, he faced criticism in Israel for images of him eating at a non-kosher restaurant in London.

What was a significant event in Netanyahu's early political career?

A significant event was his appointment as Israel's permanent representative at the UN in 1984, which increased his public profile and made him a familiar face on US television.

What was Netanyahu's position on the Oslo Peace Accords when he became the leader of the Likud party?

When he became the leader of the Likud party in 1993, Netanyahu was a fierce opponent of the Oslo Peace Accords.

What was one of Netanyahu's first acts as Prime Minister in 1996?

One of his first acts as Prime Minister was to open a tunnel exit under a mosque complex, which sparked Palestinian protests known as the Western Wall riots.

What legal issues has Netanyahu faced during his political career?

Netanyahu faced legal battles, including charges of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust in 2019, which could lead to a sentence of up to 10 years in jail if convicted.

How did Netanyahu's policies impact the peace process and Palestinian statehood?

Netanyahu's policies have undermined the peace process and Palestinian statehood by appeasing ultra-right-wing Zionists, increasing Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories, and rejecting calls for an independent Palestinian state.

What is the significance of the coalition Netanyahu formed in the 2022 Israeli elections?

In the 2022 elections, Netanyahu formed a coalition with his Likud party and religious Zionism, including far-right parties, which resulted in Israel's most right-wing government to date.

Outlines

00:00

🔹 Netanyahu's Political Journey and Controversies

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving leader, has had a complex political career marked by both staunch opposition to the Oslo Peace process and controversial alliances. Initially a critic of the 1993 peace efforts between Israel and the PLO, Netanyahu's political ascent was marred by extremist rhetoric that some argue contributed to the assassination of then-Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Despite not being a religious hardliner, he has garnered support from religious conservatives who share his vision against a two-state solution. His tenure has been marked by military actions, including the 2022 S of October attacks and the Gaza conflicts, which have raised questions about his leadership and security strategies. Netanyahu's legal battles, including charges of fraud and breach of trust, have further complicated his political standing. His political comeback in 2022, forming a coalition with far-right and religious Zionist parties, indicates his enduring influence despite these challenges.

05:01

🏗️ Netanyahu's Impact on Israeli-Palestinian Relations

Netanyahu's policies have significantly impacted Israeli-Palestinian relations, with a clear rejection of an independent Palestinian state in favor of security control over Palestinian territories. His administration has seen the expansion of Israeli settlements and the Iron Dome system's installation, reflecting a hardline stance. The blockade on Gaza and the escalation of conflicts, including the 2022 S of October attacks, have been part of his tenure. Additionally, his government has accelerated settlement construction in East Jerusalem and approved significant land appropriations in the Jordan Valley. Netanyahu's approach has been to appease ultra-right-wing Zionists, undermining the peace process and Palestinian statehood prospects. The suffering in Gaza and the erosion of his security credentials have made his leadership vulnerable, yet his influence persists, reflecting a complex and divisive legacy in the region.

Keywords

💡Benjamin Netanyahu

Benjamin Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving leader, having held office six times. He began his political career as a critic of the Oslo Peace process and has been associated with far-right ideologies. The video discusses his political journey, including his early career, his stance on the Palestinian statehood, and his influence on Israel's destiny. His tenure has been marked by controversial policies and legal battles, reflecting the complex and often contentious nature of Israeli politics.

💡Oslo Peace Process

The Oslo Peace Process refers to the series of agreements signed between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in the 1990s, aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Netanyahu was a staunch critic of this process, which is highlighted in the video as a significant aspect of his early political stance. The video suggests that his opposition to the Oslo Accords has influenced his later policies and views on Palestinian statehood.

💡Two-State Solution

The two-state solution is a proposal for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by establishing two separate states, one Jewish and one Palestinian, living side by side in peace. The video mentions that Netanyahu has found allies among religious conservatives who share his vision of derailing this solution, indicating a shift in his political approach and the implications for the peace process.

💡Iron Dome

The Iron Dome is a missile defense system developed by Israel to intercept and destroy incoming short-range rockets and artillery shells. The video notes that under Netanyahu's administration, Israel installed this $1.1 billion system, which is a testament to his emphasis on security measures and the ongoing conflict with Gaza.

💡Settlement Expansion

Settlement expansion refers to the construction and growth of Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories. The video discusses how Netanyahu's policies have led to an increase in settlements, which is a contentious issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has been a point of criticism in his leadership.

💡Yitzhak Rabin

Yitzhak Rabin was the Prime Minister of Israel at the time of the Oslo Peace Process. The video mentions that Netanyahu was part of far-right rallies where chants of 'death to Rabin' were heard, and he was later blamed for contributing to the extremist atmosphere that led to Rabin's assassination. This historical context is crucial for understanding Netanyahu's early political activities and the polarization he has been associated with.

💡Gaza Wars

The Gaza Wars refer to a series of military conflicts between Israel and Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip. The video highlights Netanyahu's involvement in four wars during his tenure, despite which Israel has not been able to achieve a decisive victory. This reflects the ongoing challenges and complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

💡Legal Battles

The video discusses the legal challenges Netanyahu has faced, including charges of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust. These battles have had a significant impact on his political career and public image, as they raise questions about his integrity and leadership.

💡Ultra Right-Wing Zionism

Ultra Right-Wing Zionism refers to an extreme form of Zionism that advocates for the establishment of a Jewish state in the entire area of historical Palestine, often with little regard for the rights of Palestinians. The video suggests that Netanyahu has forged alliances with such groups, which has influenced his policies and stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

💡Palestinian Statehood

Palestinian statehood is the concept of establishing an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. The video notes that Netanyahu has moved from being evasive about this issue to outrightly rejecting it, which is a significant shift in his political stance and has implications for the peace process and the future of the Palestinian people.

💡Land Grab

A land grab refers to the appropriation of land, often by a government or a powerful entity, without the consent of the original inhabitants. The video mentions that under Netanyahu's government, there has been an acceleration of settlement construction projects and a significant land grab in the Jordan Valley, which is a contentious issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Highlights

Benjamin Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving leader, having held office six times.

Netanyahu began his political career opposing the 1993 Oslo Peace process.

He was present at far-right rallies where violent chants against Yitzhak Rabin took place.

Netanyahu was criticized for contributing to the extremist atmosphere prior to Rabin's assassination.

Despite not being a religious hardliner, he has found support among religious conservatives.

Netanyahu has been in and out of power since 1996, with a history of military and diplomatic service.

His handling of the 2021 conflict in Gaza and the S of October attacks have affected his credibility.

Born in 1949, Netanyahu's early life was marked by a strong Zionist upbringing and military service.

The death of his brother Jonathan in a rescue operation had a profound impact on Netanyahu.

Netanyahu's rise in politics began with his role as Israel's Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington.

He became a prominent figure in the US, advocating for Israel with an American accent.

Netanyahu's political ascension included becoming Deputy Foreign Minister and leader of the Likud party.

He was Israel's youngest prime minister in 1996, opposing the Oslo Peace Accords.

Netanyahu's first term was marked by controversial actions that sparked Palestinian protests.

He faced legal battles, including charges of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust.

Despite calls to resign, Netanyahu regained power in 2009 and was re-elected in 2022.

His political survival has been through forming coalitions with right-wing and religious Zionist parties.

Netanyahu has rejected an independent Palestinian state, advocating for full security control.

Under his administration, Israel has expanded settlements and tightened the blockade on Gaza.

Netanyahu's tenure has seen a significant increase in settlement construction in East Jerusalem.

His approach to governance has been criticized for undermining the peace process and Palestinian rights.

Netanyahu's legacy includes a focus on security at the expense of peace and Palestinian statehood.

Transcripts

Israel's longest serving leader Benjamin

Netanyahu has held office six times more

than any other prime minister in the

country's history he began his career in

Israeli Politics as a staunch critic of

the 1993 Oslo Peace process between

Israel and the Palestinian Liberation

Organization he famously attended

far-right rallies where crowds chanted

death to Arabs and death to rabine

Israel's prime minister at the time who

pushed for a settlement with the PLO

a month later rabine was killed by a

religious

nationalist Netanyahu was blamed for

Fanning the Flames of far right

extremism that led to rabin's death over

the years of his Premiership Netanyahu

has always been elusive about

Palestinian statehood but now he openly

and outrightly rejects an independent

Palestinian state

[Music]

Netanyahu was not a religious hardliner

in 2023 he came under criticism in

Israel for images of him eating at a

non- kosher restaurant in London but he

has found strong allies among religious

conservatives who share his vision of

derailing the two-state solution

he's been in and out of power since

1996 his failure to prevent the S of

October attacks and Israel's inability

to win a decisive victory in Gaza

despite killing more than 40,000

Palestinians including women and

children has hurt his credibility at

home and abroad so just who is Benjamin

Netanyahu and how did he come to wield

so much influence over Israel's

Destiny Benjamin Netanyahu was born born

in Jaffa in 1949 to conservative Zionist

parents he was raised in Jerusalem and

went to high school in the US after his

family moved there he returned to Israel

to serve in the Israeli Army and fought

in the Arab Israeli War in

1973 in 1976 netanyahu's brother

Jonathan was killed leading a raid to

rescue hostages from a hijacked airliner

in anbi Uganda it would have a profound

impact on the Netanyahu the family then

moved back to Israel from the US

Netanyahu set up an anti-terrorism

Institute in his brother's memory a

turning point came in 1982 when

Netanyahu became Israel's Deputy Chief

of mission in Washington overnight his

public profile was launched an

articulate English speaker with a

distinctive American accent he became a

familiar face on us television and an

effective advocate for Israel he was

appointed Israel's permanent

representative at the UN in New York in

198 84 in 1988 he won a seat for the

right-wing lihood party in the knesset

and became Deputy foreign minister in

1993 he became the leader of the liquid

party and a fierce opponent of the 1993

Oslo Peace Accords he went on to become

Israel's youngest prime minister in 1996

after campaigning to stop the peace

process and guarantee that all of

Jerusalem would stay under Israeli

control one of his first acts as PM was

to open a tunnel exit under a Moss

complex which sparked Palestinian

protests known as the Western War riots

the move infringed on the Muslim quarter

of the complex and Rene on previous

agreements regarding the rights of

Palestinians in 1999 Netanyahu lost the

liquor leadership to Ariel Chiron and

regained it only after Chiron left leard

to form Kadima in 2005 in 2009 he was

elected prime minister for a second time

netanyahu's political career has been

marred by legal battles and in 2019 he

was charged with fraud bribery and a

breach of trust this includes taking

gifts from millionaire friends and

allegedly seeking favors for media

tycoons in return for favorable coverage

he could be sentenced to up to 10 years

in jail if convicted in a bribery case

but he's denied any wrongdoing after

calls for him to resign from Israeli

politicians and public protests against

him Netanyahu lost the 2021 elections

but l than a year later Netanyahu was

back in November 2022 Israel elected its

most right-wing government to date

Netanyahu held on to Power by forging a

coalition between his liquid party and

religious Zionism this included the

ultra nationalist odma yehudit party

Jewish power which is led by the

far-right politician itamir benav a

leader so extreme he was once banned

from entering elections bver has long

admired extremist rabbi Kahana and until

recently had in his home A Portrait of

terrorist bar Goldstein an American

Israeli who killed 29 Palestinian

worshippers in heon in

1994 Netanyahu has since rejected calls

for an independent Palestinian State

saying his country needs full security

control over Palestinian territories

netanyahu's long pride in himself on

being Miss security under his

administration Israel installed the $1.1

billion iron Dome system to intercept

Rockets from the Gaza Strip tightened

the blockade on the enclave and led four

Wars there during his Premiership and

long before s of October Israeli

settlements expansion continually

increased in Palestinian territories and

calls to Annex the West Bank had become

Amplified but his security credentials

among his supporters after hamas's

attack on Israel on 7th of October have

been shattered and the untold suffering

that Israel under his leadership has

inflicted on Gaza has left him

vulnerable since October 2023 Israel's

government has also accelerated

construction projects of settlements in

East Jerusalem and issued the largest

land grab since Oslo approving the

appropriation of 12.7 square kilm of

land in the Jordan Valley he started his

reign in a period when the peace process

was still possible but Netanyahu Rose to

power and held on to it by appeasing

Ultra right-wing zionists and

undermining the peace process

Palestinian rights and any chance of

Palestinian statehood as the years have

gone by that trend has only increased

and security for Israel and Liberation

for Palestinians have only become more

elusive

[Music]