Benjamin Netanyahu: podcast appearances and interviews

Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician and diplomat who has served as Prime Minister of Israel since 2022. He previously held the office from 1996 to 1999 and from 2009 to 2021, making him Israel's longest-serving prime minister. Born in Tel Aviv and raised in West Jerusalem and the United States, Netanyahu returned to Israel in 1967 to join the Israel Defense Forces, serving in the Sayeret Matkal special forces unit. He later studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and worked for the Boston Consulting Group before returning to Israel in 1978 to found The Jonathan Institute. Between 1984 and 1988, he served as Israel's ambassador to the United Nations. Netanyahu became prominent after being elected chair of Likud in 1993 and subsequently became leader of the opposition. He was elected as prime minister in 1996 through a direct vote but was defeated in 1999. During his career, he served as minister of foreign affairs and finance, initiating economic reforms. Netanyahu returned to lead Likud in 2005, served as opposition leader until 2009, and then formed a coalition government to become prime minister again. His tenure has included close ties with the United States under President Donald Trump, international controversies over settlements, and legal challenges related to corruption charges. His government has also faced significant protests over judicial reforms and has been involved in military escalations in the region. As of 2026, Netanyahu continues to be a pivotal figure in Israeli politics.