GOVERNMENT

Benjamin Netanyahu

Prime Minister of Israel

Benjamin Netanyahu emerged from a torrid year in Israeli politics secure in his position as Prime Minister of the Jewish state. While Israelis remain divided over the legacy of their country’s longest-serving premier, Netanyahu will likely remain an influential figure on the global political stage for years to come. The first Israeli premier to be born in Israel after statehood was established, he has arguably enabled a period of growth and prosperity, ensured regional military dominance, and fostered an international coalition against Iran, among other achievements. The historic peace agreements reached in 2020 between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Sudan have further cemented Israel’s place in the region. “The blessings of the peace we make today will be enormous,” Netanyahu declared at the signing ceremony of the Abraham Accords at the White House in September. “First, because this peace will eventually expand to include other Arab states. And, ultimately, it can end the Arab-Israeli conflict once and for all.” (Photo: CSPAN / Screenshot)