What Happened to Benjamin Netanyahu?
Benjamin Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving Prime Minister, currently in his third non-consecutive tenure since December 2022. He faces an ongoing corruption trial, which has seen recent plea bargain discussions in May 2026, and his leadership is heavily defined by the protracted Israel-Hamas War in Gaza and the recent "War with Iran," which he insists is not yet over.
Quick Answer
As of May 2026, Benjamin Netanyahu remains the Prime Minister of Israel, a position he has held for three non-consecutive terms, making him the longest-serving premier in the nation's history. He is actively engaged in the ongoing Israel-Hamas War in Gaza and has recently stated that the "War with Iran" is not over, emphasizing the need to dismantle enrichment sites and remove enriched uranium. Concurrently, he is facing a high-profile corruption trial, with recent reports indicating that plea bargain talks are underway.
πKey Facts
π Complete Timeline14 events
Born in Tel Aviv, Israel
Benjamin Netanyahu is born in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Serves in Israeli Defense Forces
Netanyahu serves in the elite Sayeret Matkal commando unit of the Israeli Defense Forces, reaching the rank of captain.
First Term as Prime Minister
Netanyahu is first elected Prime Minister of Israel, becoming the youngest person to hold the office.
Loses Election and Resigns
Netanyahu is defeated in the elections by Ehud Barak and resigns from the Knesset, taking a break from politics.
Begins Second Term as Prime Minister
After a period in opposition and serving as Minister of Finance, Netanyahu is sworn in for his second term as Prime Minister.
Indicted on Corruption Charges
Netanyahu is indicted on charges of breach of trust, bribery, and fraud, leading to a prolonged political crisis.
Removed from Premiership
After 12 consecutive years in power, Netanyahu is removed as Prime Minister, succeeded by Naftali Bennett.
Returns as Prime Minister for Third Term
Netanyahu returns to the premiership after his bloc secures a majority in the 2022 elections, forming a government with far-right parties.
Hamas Attack and Start of Gaza War
Hamas launches a major attack on Israel, triggering the Israel-Hamas War in Gaza, which significantly reshapes Netanyahu's political standing.
ICC Issues Warrant for War Crimes
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issues a warrant for Netanyahu for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip.
US-Israeli Attacks on Iran Begin
The US and Israel launch attacks against Iran, initiating a 'War with Iran' that includes the killing of Iran's supreme leader.
Statement on 'Operation Roaring Lion'
Netanyahu issues a statement on 'Operation Roaring Lion,' detailing ongoing military actions against Iran and Hezbollah.
Plea Bargain Talks Begin in Corruption Trial
Preliminary talks are initiated between Netanyahu's legal team and the Attorney General's office to explore a plea deal in his corruption trial.
Declares 'War with Iran' Not Over
In an interview with CBS News' '60 Minutes,' Netanyahu states that the 'War with Iran' is not over and insists on the removal of enriched uranium from Iran.
πDeep Dive Analysis
Benjamin Netanyahu, often known as 'Bibi,' has been a dominant figure in Israeli politics for decades, serving as Prime Minister across three non-consecutive tenures (1996β99, 2009β21, and 2022βpresent) and becoming the longest-serving premier since Israel's independence. His political resilience is marked by a staunch security hawk stance, particularly in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and a masterful ability to forge coalitions.
Netanyahu's current term, which began in December 2022, has been profoundly shaped by significant domestic and international challenges. Domestically, he continues to face an active corruption trial involving charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The trial, which began in 2020, has seen numerous delays, often attributed to the ongoing conflicts. In May 2026, President Isaac Herzog facilitated preliminary talks between Netanyahu's legal team and the Attorney General's office to explore a plea deal, a development that could potentially lead to his resignation or removal before the end of 2026.
Internationally, his leadership has been defined by the Israel-Hamas War, triggered by the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. This conflict has led to immense international scrutiny, with the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing a warrant for Netanyahu in late 2024 for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip. Critics, both within Israel and abroad, have accused Netanyahu of prolonging the Gaza war to serve his political interests and delay accountability for military and political failures, with some leaks suggesting he aims to stretch the aggression into a bridge toward the 2026 elections.
Adding to the regional complexities, Israel has been engaged in a "War with Iran," which began with US-Israeli attacks in February 2026, killing Iran's supreme leader. While a ceasefire took effect in April 2026, Netanyahu stated in a May 10, 2026, interview with CBS News' "60 Minutes" that the war is "not over." He emphasized the necessity of dismantling Iran's enrichment sites and removing enriched uranium, even suggesting this could be done by force if no agreement is reached. This stance contrasts with US President Donald Trump's apparent desire to end hostilities, highlighting tensions within the US-Israeli alliance.
As of May 10, 2026, Netanyahu's political future remains intertwined with the outcomes of his corruption trial, the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and with Iran, and the upcoming legislative elections scheduled by October 2026. Polls indicate significant public dissatisfaction with his handling of the Gaza war, with over 75% of Israelis believing he should step down.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Benjamin Netanyahu made different choices?