Benjamin Netanyahu, often referred to by his nickname "Bibi," is a towering figure in Israeli politics, serving as the country's Prime Minister for a total of over 16 years across three non-consecutive terms. His legacy, however, is complex and riddled with both achievements and controversies. Born in Tel Aviv in 1949, Netanyahu's early life was marked by tragedy. His older brother Yonatan, a commando, was killed during the Entebbe raid in 1976, an event that deeply impacted Netanyahu's worldview. He studied architecture and business administration at MIT before returning to Israel, where he served in the military and later entered politics. Netanyahu's political ascent was rapid. He became Israel's ambassador to the United Nations in 1984, where he honed his skills as a skilled communicator and negotiator. In 1993, he was elected leader of the Likud party, the country's center-right political faction. Just three years later, in 1996, he defied expectations to defeat incumbent Prime Minister Shimon Peres, becoming the first directly elected Prime Minister of Israel and the youngest to hold the office at the time. Netanyahu's first term was marked by economic prosperity and relative peace. He implemented neoliberal economic policies that boosted growth and reduced inflation. He also signed the Wye River Agreement with the Palestinian Authority, which brought a period of relative calm to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, his term was not without challenges. The 1997 Hebron massacre, in which a Baruch Goldstein, an Israeli settler, shot and killed 29 Palestinian worshipers in a mosque, tarnished Israel's image internationally and strained relations with the Palestinians. Additionally, Netanyahu's social policies, which favored religious and conservative groups, alienated some segments of Israeli society. Netanyahu lost the 1999 elections to Ehud Barak but remained active in politics as Leader of the Opposition. He criticized Barak's handling of the Second Intifada, a period of intense violence between Israelis and Palestinians, and campaigned on a platform of security and economic stability. Netanyahu returned to power in 2009, capitalizing on public discontent with the economic downturn and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His second and third terms were marked by a focus on security, with Netanyahu authorizing several military operations against Hamas in Gaza. He also expanded settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move that drew condemnation from the international community and further strained relations with the Palestinians. On the domestic front, Netanyahu implemented further economic reforms and pursued closer ties with the United States. He also strengthened Israel's relationship with other countries, particularly in the Arab world, through diplomatic agreements and economic partnerships. However, Netanyahu's later years in office were marred by corruption scandals and growing political divisions within Israel. He was indicted on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, although he denies any wrongdoing. Additionally, his policies alienated segments of Israeli society, particularly Arab citizens and liberal voters. Netanyahu's relationship with the United States, particularly under Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump, has been a major aspect of his tenure. His use of social media and his relationship with the Israeli media have also been significant factors in his political success. The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains the central challenge facing Israel, and Netanyahu's policies have had a profound impact on its trajectory. It is important to note that Netanyahu's legacy is still unfolding, and his ultimate place in history will depend on how future events, particularly the ongoing political and social dynamics within Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, come to play out.