Benjamin Netanyahu

Netanyahu served as prime minister from 1996-1999 and 2009-2021 before becoming premier again in 2022. 

As head of the right-wing Likud party, his political priorities have largely focused on national security, prioritising military deterrence and opposing major territorial concessions to Palestinians. 

He long vacillated on the internationally supported idea of a two-state solution before declaring unequivocally in 2025 during the height of the Gaza War that “there will be no Palestinian state”.

Netanyahu cultivated close ties with the United States under Donald Trump and sought to reinforce Israel’s strategic position in the Middle East; his hawkish approach to Iran and normalisation agreements with Gulf states have been key aspects of his foreign agenda.

Netanyahu’s tenure was marked by controversy even before the devastating – and polarising – war in Gaza. Accused of corruption – including bribery and breach-of-trust – for allegedly granting favours in exchange for gifts, Netanyahu went on trial in 2020 and faces several years in prison if convicted.