Editing Benjamin Netanyahu (section)

== Prime minister (2009–2021) ==

=== Second term ===
{{Further|Thirty-second government of Israel}}
[[File:Med-Netan.jpeg|thumb|Netanyahu in a meeting with President [[Dmitry Medvedev]] in Russia, 24 March 2011]]
[[File:Benjamin Netanyahu and Yohanan Danino 2012.jpg|thumb|Netanyahu with [[Yohanan Danino]], appointed Israel's chief of police in 2011]]
In 2009, US Secretary of State [[Hillary Clinton]] voiced support for the establishment of a [[State of Palestine|Palestinian state]]&nbsp;– a solution not endorsed by [[Prime Minister of Israel|prime minister]]-designate Benjamin Netanyahu,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\story_4-3-2009_pg4_1 |title=Clinton pledges to press for Palestinian state |work=[[Daily Times (Pakistan)|Daily Times]]|location=Pakistan |date=4 March 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113111947/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009%5C03%5C04%5Cstory_4-3-2009_pg4_1 |archive-date=13 January 2012}}</ref> with whom she had earlier pledged the United States' cooperation.<ref>{{cite news |title=In Israel, Clinton pledges to work with new government |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/03/world/africa/03iht-mideast.1.20555576.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101014095518/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/03/world/africa/03iht-mideast.1.20555576.html |archive-date=14 October 2010 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |newspaper=The New York Times |date=3 March 2009 |access-date=16 March 2013}}</ref> Upon the arrival of President Obama administration's special envoy, [[George J. Mitchell|George Mitchell]], Netanyahu said that any furtherance of negotiations with the Palestinians would be conditioned on the Palestinians recognizing Israel as a Jewish state.<ref>{{cite web |title=Israel demands Palestinians recognize Jewish state |first=Ari |last=Rabinovitch |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/israel-demands-palestinians-recognize-jewish-state-250620 |website=[[International Business Times]] |date=16 April 2009 |access-date=16 March 2013 |archive-date=17 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617115214/http://www.ibtimes.com/israel-demands-palestinians-recognize-jewish-state-250620 |url-status=live }}</ref>

During [[A New Beginning (speech)|President Obama's Cairo speech]] on 4 June 2009 in which Obama addressed the [[Muslim world]], Obama stated, among other things, "The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements." Following Obama's Cairo speech Netanyahu immediately called a special government meeting. On 14 June, ten days after Obama's Cairo speech, Netanyahu gave a speech at Bar-Ilan University in which he endorsed a "Demilitarized Palestinian State", though said that Jerusalem must remain the unified capital of Israel.<ref name="Hatz 14Jun2009">{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/netanyahu-backs-demilitarized-palestinian-state-1.277915 |title=Netanyahu backs demilitarized Palestinian state |date=14 June 2009 |newspaper=Haaretz |access-date=14 May 2012 |archive-date=31 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531053243/http://www.haaretz.com/news/netanyahu-backs-demilitarized-palestinian-state-1.277915 |url-status=live }}</ref> Netanyahu stated that he would accept a [[Palestinian state]] if [[Jerusalem]] were to remain [[Positions on Jerusalem|the united capital of Israel]], the Palestinians would have no army, and the Palestinians would give up their demand for a [[Palestinian right of return|right of return]]. He also argued the right for a "natural growth" in the [[Israeli settlement|existing Jewish settlements]] in the [[West Bank]] while their permanent status is up to further negotiation. Senior Palestinian official [[Saeb Erekat]] said that the speech had "closed the door to permanent status negotiations" due to Netanyahu's declarations on Jerusalem, refugees and settlements.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 June 2009 |title=Israel Accepts Unarmed Palestinian State |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-accepts-unarmed-palestinian-state/ |access-date=8 January 2024 |website=CBS News |language=en-US |archive-date=8 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108010029/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-accepts-unarmed-palestinian-state/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Three months after starting his term, Netanyahu remarked that his cabinet already had achieved several notable successes, such as the establishment of a working [[coalition government|national unity government]], and a broad consensus for a "[[two-state solution]]".<ref>{{cite news |title=Netanyahu: We have consensus on two-state solution |first=Barak |last=Ravid |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/netanyahu-we-have-consensus-on-two-state-solution-1.279374 |newspaper=Haaretz |date=5 July 2009 |access-date=16 March 2013 |archive-date=5 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105003401/http://www.haaretz.com/news/netanyahu-we-have-consensus-on-two-state-solution-1.279374 |url-status=live }}</ref> A July 2009 survey by [[Ha'aretz]] found that most Israelis supported the Netanyahu government, giving him a personal approval rating of about 49 percent.<ref>{{cite news |title=Poll Gives Netanyahu Positive Marks Despite Rift with US |first=Robert |last=Berger |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/a-13-2009-07-03-voa19-68745072/410252.html |publisher=Voice of America |date=3 July 2009 |access-date=1 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130124193621/http://www.voanews.com/content/a-13-2009-07-03-voa19-68745072/410252.html |archive-date=24 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Netanyahu has lifted checkpoints in the [[West Bank]] in order to allow freedom of movement and a flow of imports; a step that resulted in an economic boost in the West Bank.<ref>{{cite news |title=Nablus booms as barriers fall in occupied West Bank |first=Leigh |last=Baldwin |url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/Aug/11/Nablus-booms-as-barriers-fall-in-occupied-West-Bank.ashx |newspaper=The Daily Star |location=Lebanon |date=11 August 2009 |access-date=16 March 2013 |archive-date=21 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130721213049/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/Aug/11/Nablus-booms-as-barriers-fall-in-occupied-West-Bank.ashx |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Thomas Friedman |title=Green Shoots in Palestine II |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/09/opinion/09friedman.html?_r=1 |work=The New York Times |date=9 August 2009 |access-date=9 August 2009 |author-link=Thomas Friedman |archive-date=5 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005011508/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/09/opinion/09friedman.html?_r=1 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Khaled |last=Abu Toameh |title=West Bank boom |url=http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=148995 |work=[[The Jerusalem Post]] |date=17 July 2009 |access-date=17 June 2012 |archive-date=27 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127212513/http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=148995 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2009, Netanyahu welcomed the [[2002 Arab League summit|Arab Peace initiative]] (also known as the "Saudi Peace Initiative") and lauded a call by [[Bahrain]]'s [[Crown Prince]] [[Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa]] to normalize relations with Israel.<ref>{{cite news |title=Netanyahu supports Arab peace initiative |url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/07/24/Netanyahu-supports-Arab-peace-initiative/UPI-32111248433108/ |publisher=United Press International |date=24 July 2009 |access-date=9 August 2009 |archive-date=28 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110128030318/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/07/24/Netanyahu-supports-Arab-peace-initiative/UPI-32111248433108/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Netanyahu to Arabs: Saudi plan can help bring peace |first=Barak |last=Ravid |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/netanyahu-to-arabs-saudi-plan-can-help-bring-peace-1.280615 |newspaper=Haaretz |date=23 July 2009 |access-date=16 March 2013 |archive-date=12 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512045053/http://www.haaretz.com/news/netanyahu-to-arabs-saudi-plan-can-help-bring-peace-1.280615 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In August 2009, Palestinian Authority chairman [[Mahmoud Abbas]] declared that he would be willing to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu at the [[UN General Assembly]], where Netanyahu had accepted president Obama's invitation for a "triple summit", although he said it would not necessarily lead to negotiations.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3767480,00.html|title=Palestinians: Abbas open to meeting with Netanyahu|last=Waked|first=Ali|date=26 September 2009|publisher=[[Ynetnews]]|access-date=4 September 2009|archive-date=27 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090827201019/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3767480,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Netanyahu was reported to be in a pivotal moment over these understandings, that were reported to include a compromise over permission on continuing the already approved construction in the [[West Bank]] in exchange for freezing all settlements thereafter, as well as continuing building in [[East Jerusalem]], and at the same time stopping the demolition of houses of Arab inhabitants there.<ref name="Maariv1">{{cite news|url=http://www.nrg.co.il/online/1/ART1/937/362.html|script-title=he:התוכנית האמריקאית: פסגה צנועה והצהרת עקרונות|last=Bengal|first=Mia|date=2 September 2009|publisher=[[Maariv]]|language=he|access-date=4 September 2009|archive-date=4 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904201450/http://www.nrg.co.il/online/1/ART1/937/362.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 4 September 2009, it was reported that Netanyahu was to agree to settlers' political demands to approve more settlement constructions before a temporary settlement freeze agreement took place.<ref>{{cite news |title=Israel to Approve More Settlement Construction Before Freeze |first=Robert |last=Berger |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/a-13-2009-09-04-voa19-68663332/408369.html |publisher=Voice of America |date=4 September 2009 |access-date=1 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004235431/http://www.voanews.com/content/a-13-2009-09-04-voa19-68663332/408369.html |archive-date=4 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> White House spokesman [[Robert Gibbs]] expressed "regret" over the move;<ref>{{cite news |title=US, EU slam Netanyahu's approval of construction |first=Yitzhak |last=Benhorin |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3772205,00.html |publisher=Ynetnews |date=4 September 2009 |access-date=16 March 2013 |archive-date=25 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725053442/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3772205,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> however, one U.S. official said the move will not "derail [the] train".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0909/US_Settlement_move_wont_derail_train.html?showall|title=U.S official: Settlement move won't 'derail train'|last=Smith|first=Ben|date=4 September 2009|publisher=Politico|access-date=4 September 2009|archive-date=13 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013061435/http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0909/US_Settlement_move_wont_derail_train.html?showall|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 7 September 2009, Netanyahu left his office without reporting where he was headed. The prime minister's military secretary, Maj. Gen. Meir Kalifi, later reported Netanyahu had visited a security facility in Israel.<ref name="dis-1">{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3774201,00.html|title=Report: PM held secret talks in Russia|date=10 September 2009|publisher=[[Ynetnews]]|access-date=11 September 2009|archive-date=11 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090911092442/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3774201,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Several different news agencies reported several different stories about where he was.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3773829,00.html|title=Palestinian paper: Netanyahu visited Arab state|date=8 September 2009|publisher=[[Ynetnews]]|access-date=11 September 2009|archive-date=11 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090911070948/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3773829,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 9 September 2009, ''[[Yedioth Ahronoth]]'' reported that the Israeli leader had made a secret flight to Moscow to try to persuade Russian officials not to sell S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems to Iran.<ref name=dis-1/><ref>{{cite news |title=Netanyahu secretly visited Russia: reports |first1=Amie |last1=Ferris-Rotman |first2=Jeffrey |last2=Heller |first3=Philippa |last3=Fletcher |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-russia-idUSTRE5882T420090909 |publisher=Reuters |date=9 September 2009 |access-date=16 March 2013 |archive-date=5 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705000908/http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/09/09/us-israel-russia-idUSTRE5882T420090909 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Netanyahu absence sparks rumours of Russia visit |first1=Vita |last1=Bekker |first2=Charles |last2=Clover |first3=Stefan |last3=Wagstyl |url=http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/b5c17af8-9e69-11de-b0aa-00144feabdc0.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/b5c17af8-9e69-11de-b0aa-00144feabdc0.html |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |newspaper=[[Financial Times]] |date=11 September 2009 |access-date=10 March 2013}}</ref> Headlines branded Netanyahu a "liar" and dubbed the affair a "fiasco".<ref>{{cite news |title=Netanyahu draws fire in Israel over secret trip |first=Jeffrey |last=Heller |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-netanyahu-idUSTRE5891YJ20090910 |publisher=Reuters |date=10 September 2009 |access-date=16 March 2013 |archive-date=16 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216100041/http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/09/10/us-israel-netanyahu-idUSTRE5891YJ20090910 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Israeli PM's secret trip irks media |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2009/09/20099115339794467.html |publisher=Al Jazeera English |date=11 September 2009 |access-date=16 March 2013 |archive-date=5 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105165242/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2009/09/20099115339794467.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It was later reported that the PM's military secretary would be dismissed due to the affair.<ref>{{cite news |title=Netanyahu aide likely to pay price for 'secret' Russia trip |first=Amos |last=Harel |author-link=Amos Harel |url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/netanyahu-aide-likely-to-pay-price-for-secret-russia-trip-1.8085 |newspaper=Haaretz |date=11 September 2009 |access-date=1 March 2013 |archive-date=22 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022202209/http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/netanyahu-aide-likely-to-pay-price-for-secret-russia-trip-1.8085 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[The Sunday Times]]'' reported that the trip was made to share the names of Russian scientists that Israel believes are abetting the alleged Iranian nuclear weapons program.<ref>{{cite news |first1=Uzi |last1=Mahnaimi |author2=Franchetti, Mark |author3=Swain, Jon |title=Israel names Russians helping Iran build nuclear bomb |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article6860161.ece |work=The Sunday Times |location=London |date=4 October 2009 |access-date=4 October 2009 |archive-date=7 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110507002115/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article6860161.ece |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On 24 September 2009, in an address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Netanyahu said Iran poses a threat to the peace of the world and that it is incumbent on the world body to prevent the Islamic Republic from obtaining nuclear weapons.<ref name="un-1">{{cite news |title=Netanyahu speech / PM slams Gaza probe, challenges UN to confront Iran |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/netanyahu-speech-pm-slams-gaza-probe-challenges-un-to-confront-iran-1.7301 |newspaper=Haaretz |date=24 September 2009 |access-date=16 March 2013 |archive-date=25 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130125153643/http://www.haaretz.com/news/netanyahu-speech-pm-slams-gaza-probe-challenges-un-to-confront-iran-1.7301 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="un-2">{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3781710,00.html|title=PM to UN: Iran fueled by fundamentalism|date=24 September 2009|publisher=[[Ynetnews]]|access-date=24 September 2009|archive-date=27 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090927044400/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3781710,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Waving the blueprints for Auschwitz and invoking the memory of his own family members murdered by the Nazis, Netanyahu delivered a passionate and public riposte to Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's questioning of the Holocaust, asking: "Have you no shame?"<ref>{{cite news |title=Israel's Netanyahu hits back at Iran's Holocaust claims |url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Israels-Netanyahu-hits-back-at-Irans-Holocaust-claims/tabid/417/articleID/122747/Default.aspx |publisher=3 News |date=25 September 2009 |access-date=1 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004230113/http://www.3news.co.nz/Israels-Netanyahu-hits-back-at-Irans-Holocaust-claims/tabid/417/articleID/122747/Default.aspx |archive-date=4 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In response to pressure from the Obama administration urging the sides to resume peace talks, on 25 November 2009 Netanyahu announced a partial 10-month settlement construction freeze plan. The announced partial freeze had no significant effect on actual settlement construction, according to an analysis by the major Israeli daily ''[[Haaretz]]''.<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=Haaretz |date=27 November 2009 |title=Analysis: Settlers Have Been Working for Months to Undermine Construction Freeze, Situation on the Ground Suggests that There Will Be Nearly No Change in Settlement Construction |url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/analysis-settlers-have-been-working-for-months-to-undermine-construction-freeze-1.3310 |access-date=28 September 2010 |archive-date=5 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105011117/http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/analysis-settlers-have-been-working-for-months-to-undermine-construction-freeze-1.3310 |url-status=live }}</ref> U.S. special envoy George Mitchell said, "while the United States shares Arab concerns about the limitations of Israel's gesture, it is more than any Israeli government has ever done".<ref>{{cite news |title=US Welcomes Israeli Settlement Move, Urges Palestinians to Enter Negotiations |first=David |last=Gollust |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/us-welcomes-israeli-settlement-move-urges-palestinians-to-enter-negotiations-73905167/415919.html |publisher=Voice of America |date=25 November 2009 |access-date=16 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004235421/http://www.voanews.com/content/us-welcomes-israeli-settlement-move-urges-palestinians-to-enter-negotiations-73905167/415919.html |archive-date=4 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> In his announcement Netanyahu called the move "a painful step that will encourage the peace process" and urged the Palestinians to respond.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cabinet votes on 10-month building freeze |first=Roni |last=Sofer |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3810640,00.html |publisher=Ynetnews |date=25 November 2009 |access-date=16 March 2013 |archive-date=5 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171105043814/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3810640,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Palestinians rejected the call, stating the gesture was "insignificant" in that thousands of recently approved settlement buildings in the West Bank would continue to be built and there would be no freeze of settlement activity in East Jerusalem.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20091126-palestinans-reject-israeli-partial-settlement-freeze-offer |title=Palestinians reject Netanyahu's offer of partial settlement freeze |date=26 November 2009 |publisher=[[France 24]] |access-date=14 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091128060132/http://www.france24.com/en/20091126-palestinans-reject-israeli-partial-settlement-freeze-offer |archive-date=28 November 2009 }}</ref>

In March 2010, Israel's government approved construction of an additional 1,600 apartments in a large Jewish housing development in northern East Jerusalem called [[Ramat Shlomo]]<ref name="jp2010-03-14">{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=170912|title='We'll prevent future embarrassments'|date=14 March 2010|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=17 March 2010|archive-date=17 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100317124228/http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=170912|url-status=live}}</ref> despite the position of the current U.S. Government that acts such as this thwart the peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. The Israeli government's announcement occurred during a visit by U.S. Vice-president [[Joe Biden]] and the U.S. government subsequently issued a strongly worded condemnation of the plan.<ref name="t2010-03-16">{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article7062808.ece|title=Anger in Ramat Shlomo as settlement row grows|date=16 March 2010|work=[[The Times]]|location=London|first1=Sheera|last1=Frenkel|access-date=16 March 2010|archive-date=14 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814073308/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article7062808.ece|url-status=dead}}</ref> Netanyahu subsequently issued a statement that all previous Israeli governments had continuously permitted construction in the neighborhood, and that certain neighborhoods such as Ramat Shlomo and [[Gilo]] have always been included as part of Israel in any final agreement plan that has been proposed by either side to date.<ref name="jp2010-03-14"/> Netanyahu regretted the timing of the announcement but asserted that "our policy on Jerusalem is the same policy followed by all Israeli governments for the 42 years, and it has not changed."<ref>{{cite news |title=Netanyahu and Obama to meet Tuesday in Washington |first1=Barak |last1=Ravid |first2=Natasha |last2=Mozgovaya |author2-link=Natasha Mozgovaya |first3=Jack |last3=Khoury |url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/netanyahu-and-obama-to-meet-tuesday-in-washington-1.265096 |newspaper=Haaretz |date=21 March 2010 |access-date=16 March 2013 |archive-date=24 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024102517/http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/netanyahu-and-obama-to-meet-tuesday-in-washington-1.265096 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Clinton Netanyahu Abbas Mitchell 2 Sep 2010.jpg|thumb|Netanyahu, [[Hillary Clinton]], [[George J. Mitchell]] and [[Mahmoud Abbas]] at the start of the [[Direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians (2010-2011)|direct talks]], 2 September 2010]]
In September 2010, Netanyahu agreed to enter [[Direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians in 2010|direct talks]], mediated by the [[Presidency of Barack Obama|Obama administration]], with the Palestinians for the first time in a long while.<ref name="ap090110">{{cite news |title=Mideast peace talks open to qualified optimism |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna38948469 |publisher=NBC News |date=1 September 2010 |access-date=6 March 2013 |archive-date=4 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004234845/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/38948469/ns/world_news-mideastn_africa/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The ultimate aim of these direct talks is to forge the framework of an official "final status settlement" to the [[Israeli–Palestinian conflict]] by forming a [[two-state solution]] for the [[Jewish people]] and the [[Palestinian people]]. On 27 September, the 10-month settlement freeze ended, and the Israeli government approved new construction in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.<ref>{{cite news |title=U.S. pushes talks as Israel resumes settlement building |first1=Jill |last1=Dougherty |first2=Elise |last2=Labott |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/09/27/us.mideast.peace.talks/index.html |work=CNN |date=27 September 2010 |access-date=17 March 2013 |archive-date=4 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004225836/http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/09/27/us.mideast.peace.talks/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On retiring from office in July 2011, former U.S. Secretary of Defense [[Robert Gates]] had said that Netanyahu was ungrateful to the United States and endangering Israel. Responding, the Likud party defended Netanyahu by saying that most Israelis supported the prime minister and that he had broad support in the United States.<ref>{{cite news |title=Likud defends Netanyahu after report Gates called him 'ungrateful' |first1=Barak |last1=Ravid |first2=Eli |last2=Ashkenazi |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/likud-defends-netanyahu-after-report-gates-called-him-ungrateful-1.382875 |newspaper=Haaretz |date=6 September 2011 |access-date=17 March 2013 |archive-date=6 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110906150408/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/likud-defends-netanyahu-after-report-gates-called-him-ungrateful-1.382875 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Gates called Netanyahu an ungrateful ally to U.S. and a danger to Israel |first=Barak |last=Ravid |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/gates-called-netanyahu-an-ungrateful-ally-to-u-s-and-a-danger-to-israel-1.382828 |newspaper=Haaretz |date=6 September 2011 |access-date=17 March 2013 |archive-date=27 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127012658/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/gates-called-netanyahu-an-ungrateful-ally-to-u-s-and-a-danger-to-israel-1.382828 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Netanyahu unsuccessfully called for the early release of [[Jonathan Pollard]], an American serving a life sentence for passing secret U.S. documents to Israel in 1987.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1999-01-19 |title=Netanyahu And Foe Tangle Over Pollard |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/1999/01/19/netanyahu-and-foe-tangle-over-pollard/ |access-date=2025-04-25 |website=[[New York Daily News]] |language=en-US}}</ref> He has raised the issue at the [[Wye River (Maryland)|Wye River]] Summit in 1998, where he claimed that U.S. president Bill Clinton had privately agreed to release Pollard.<ref>Ross, Dennis. ''Statecraft: And How to Restore America's Standing in the World''. 2008, p. 213</ref><ref>Clinton, Bill. ''My Life: The Presidential Years''. 2005, p. 468</ref> In 2002, Netanyahu visited Pollard at his [[North Carolina]] prison.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.netanyahu.org/forpmnetvisp.html |title=Former PM Netanyahu Visits Pollard in Prison |publisher=Netanyahu.org |access-date=27 October 2011 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927024149/http://www.netanyahu.org/forpmnetvisp.html |archive-date=27 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Mozgovaya |first=Natasha |author-link=Natasha Mozgovaya |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/netanyahu-to-formally-call-for-release-of-convicted-spy-jonathan-pollard-1.331860 |title=Netanyahu to formally call for release of convicted spy Jonathan Pollard |work=Haaretz |location=Israel |access-date=27 October 2011 |archive-date=29 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111029064455/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/netanyahu-to-formally-call-for-release-of-convicted-spy-jonathan-pollard-1.331860 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Israeli prime minister maintained contact with Pollard's wife, and was active in pressing the Obama administration to release Pollard.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hoffman |first=Gil |url=http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/Netanyahu-reassures-Esther-Pollard-ahead-of-DC-trip |title=Netanyahu reassures Esther Pollard ahead of DC trip |work=The Jerusalem Post |date=19 May 2011 |access-date=27 October 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919092802/http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=221407 |archive-date=19 September 2012}}</ref><ref name=lettertoobama>{{cite news |last=Lis |first=Jonathan |url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/netanyahu-s-plea-to-obama-release-jonathan-pollard-1.335262 |title=Netanyahu's plea to Obama: Release Jonathan Pollard |work=Haaretz |location=Israel |date=9 November 2010 |access-date=27 October 2011 |archive-date=4 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104150509/http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/netanyahu-s-plea-to-obama-release-jonathan-pollard-1.335262 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2011, [[2011 Israeli social justice protests|social justice protests]] broke out across Israel. Hundreds of thousands of people protested Israel's high cost of living throughout the country. In response, Netanyahu appointed the [[Trajtenberg Committee]], headed by professor [[Manuel Trajtenberg]], to examine the problems and propose solutions. The committee submitted recommendations to lower the high cost of living in September 2011.<ref>{{cite press release|title=The recommendations of the Trajtenberg Committee were submitted today to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance |url=http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110927.pdf |publisher=Ministry of Finance |date=27 September 2011 |access-date=27 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111218031119/http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/pressReleases/20110927.pdf |archive-date=18 December 2011}}</ref> Although Netanyahu promised to push the proposed reforms through the cabinet in one piece, differences inside his coalition resulted in the reforms being gradually adopted.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Moti Bassok |author2=Jonathan Lis |name-list-style=amp |title=Netanyahu strikes deal with Yisrael Beiteinu to approve Trajtenberg report |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/netanyahu-strikes-deal-with-yisrael-beiteinu-to-approve-trajtenberg-report-1.388958 |newspaper=Haaretz |date=9 October 2011 |access-date=27 January 2012 |archive-date=21 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121030317/http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/netanyahu-strikes-deal-with-yisrael-beiteinu-to-approve-trajtenberg-report-1.388958 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author1=Avi Bar-Eli, Meirav Arlosoroff |author2=Ora Coren |name-list-style=amp |title=Despite PM's promises, most Trajtenberg recommendations may never become law |url=http://english.themarker.com/despite-pm-s-promises-most-trajtenberg-recommendations-may-never-become-law-1.395637 |newspaper=The Marker |date=15 November 2011 |access-date=27 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120116034934/http://english.themarker.com/despite-pm-s-promises-most-trajtenberg-recommendations-may-never-become-law-1.395637 |archive-date=16 January 2012 }}</ref>

Netanyahu's cabinet also approved a plan to build a [[Optical fiber cable|fiber-optic cable]] network across the country to bring cheap, high-speed [[fiber-optic communication|fiber-optic]] Internet access to every home.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tradebridgeconsultants.com/news/government/cabinet-announces-fibre-optic-internet-access-in-every-home/|title=Israel – Campaigning – Cabinet announces fibre optic internet access in every home|publisher=Trade Bridge Consultants|access-date=11 August 2015|archive-date=19 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119105927/http://tradebridgeconsultants.com/news/government/cabinet-announces-fibre-optic-internet-access-in-every-home/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-1000857455|title=Israelis are already winners from the fiber optic venture|first=Gad|last=Perez|date=26 June 2013|newspaper=Globes|access-date=11 August 2015|archive-date=29 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729033634/http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-1000857455|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2012, Netanyahu initially planned to call early elections, but subsequently oversaw the creation of a controversial government of national unity to see Israel through until the national elections of 2013.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/in-surprise-move-netanyahu-mofaz-agree-to-form-unity-government-cancel-early-elections-1.428843 |title=In surprise move, Netanyahu, Mofaz agree to form unity government, cancel early elections |last1=Lis |first1=Jonathan |last2=Bar-Zohar |first2=Ophir |date=8 May 2012 |newspaper=Haaretz |access-date=9 May 2012 |archive-date=9 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509022225/http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/in-surprise-move-netanyahu-mofaz-agree-to-form-unity-government-cancel-early-elections-1.428843 |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2012, Netanyahu officially recognized for the first time the right for Palestinians to have their own state in an official document, a letter to Mahmoud Abbas, though as before<ref name="Hatz 14Jun2009" /> he declared it would have to be demilitarized.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-pledges-to-establish-demilitarized-palestinian-state/ |title=PM promises Abbas a demilitarized Palestinian state |last1=Winer |first1=Stuart |last2=Ahren |first2=Raphael |date=14 May 2012 |newspaper=The Times of Israel |access-date=14 May 2012 |archive-date=17 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517003049/http://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-pledges-to-establish-demilitarized-palestinian-state/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 25 October 2012, Netanyahu and Foreign Minister [[Avigdor Lieberman]] announced that their respective political parties, [[Likud]] and [[Yisrael Beiteinu]], had merged and would run together on a single ballot in Israel's 22 January 2013 general elections.<ref>{{cite news|last=Leshem|first=Elie|title=Netanyahu, Liberman announce they'll run joint list for Knesset|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-announces-merger-with-israel-beytenu-promises-to-lead-with-strength/|newspaper=The Times of Israel|access-date=27 October 2012|archive-date=27 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027064830/http://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-announces-merger-with-israel-beytenu-promises-to-lead-with-strength/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Third term ===
{{Further|Thirty-third government of Israel}}
The [[2013 Israeli legislative election|2013 election]] returned Netanyahu's [[Likud Yisrael Beiteinu|Likud Beiteinu]] coalition with 11 fewer seats than the combined Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu parties had going into the vote.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Tobin |first1=Amir |last2=Birnbaum |first2=Ben |date=20 March 2015 |title='Is This Ship Sinking?' Inside the Collapse of the Campaign Against Netanyahu |url=http://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/how-israels-left-lost-to-netanyahu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322104203/http://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/how-israels-left-lost-to-netanyahu |archive-date=22 March 2015 |access-date=21 March 2015 |magazine=[[The New Yorker]] |location=New York City}}</ref> Nevertheless, as leader of what remained the largest faction in the Knesset, Israeli president Shimon Peres charged Netanyahu with the task of forming the [[Thirty-third government of Israel]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Hoffman |first=Gil |date=10 February 2009 |title=Kadima wins, but rightist bloc biggest |url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=132385 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127225603/http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=132385 |archive-date=27 January 2013 |access-date=17 June 2012 |newspaper=[[The Jerusalem Post]]}}</ref><ref name="swornh" /><ref name="swornr" /> The new coalition included the [[Yesh Atid]], [[The Jewish Home]] and [[Hatnuah]] parties and excludes the ultra-Orthodox parties at the insistence of Yesh Atid and the Jewish Home.

During Netanyahu's third term, he continued his policy of economic liberalization. In December 2013, the Knesset approved the Business Concentration Law, which intended to open Israel's highly concentrated economy to competition to lower consumer prices, reduce income inequality, and increase economic growth. Netanyahu had formed the Concentration Committee in 2010, and the bill, which was pushed forward by his government, implemented its recommendations. The new law banned multi-tiered corporate holding structures, in which a CEO's family members or other affiliated individuals held public companies which in turn owned other public companies, and who were thus able to engage in [[price gouging]]. Under the law, corporations were banned from owning more than two tiers of publicly listed companies and from holding both financial and non-financial enterprises. All conglomerates were given four to six years to sell excess holdings.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/01/07/overhaul-of-israels-economy-offers-lessons-for-united-states/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0|title=Overhaul of Israel's Economy Offers Lessons for United States|first=Steven|last=Davidoff|work=The New York Times Dealbook blog|date=7 January 2014|access-date=5 March 2017|archive-date=19 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119110124/https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/01/07/overhaul-of-israels-economy-offers-lessons-for-united-states/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/business/1.565986|title=What is Israel's new Business Concentration Law and why should we care?|date=29 December 2013|work=Haaretz|access-date=19 March 2014|archive-date=19 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319085801/http://www.haaretz.com/business/1.565986|url-status=live}}</ref> Netanyahu also began a campaign of port privatization to break what he viewed as the monopoly held by workers of the [[Israel Port Authority]], so as to lower consumer prices and increase exports. In July 2013, he issued tenders for the construction of private ports in [[Haifa]] and [[Ashdod]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-1000859155|title=Netanyahu: Era of ports monopoly is over|newspaper=Globes English|access-date=19 March 2014|archive-date=19 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319090026/http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-1000859155|url-status=live}}</ref> Netanyahu has also pledged to curb excess bureaucracy and regulations to ease the burden on industry.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/business/concentration-in-business/.premium-1.576937|title=Netanyahu vows to free economy of regulation and bureaucracy|date=27 February 2014|work=Haaretz|access-date=19 March 2014|archive-date=19 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319201254/http://www.haaretz.com/business/concentration-in-business/.premium-1.576937|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Visita a Israel para el Funeral de Estado de Shimon Peres (30022263895).jpg|thumb|Netanyahu, U.S. president [[Barack Obama]] and Israeli president [[Reuven Rivlin]] at the funeral of former Israeli president [[Shimon Peres]], Jerusalem, 30 September 2016]]
In April 2014, and again in June, Netanyahu spoke of his deep concerns when Hamas and the Palestinian Authority agreed and then formed a unity government, and was severely critical of both the United States and European governments' decision to work with the Palestinian coalition government.<ref>Peter Beaumont, [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/03/israel-us-palestinian-unity-government-netanyahu "Israel condemns US for backing Palestinian unity government"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325030301/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/03/israel-us-palestinian-unity-government-netanyahu |date=25 March 2019 }}, ''[[The Guardian]]'' 3 June 2014]</ref> He blamed Hamas for [[2014 kidnapping and murder of Israeli teenagers|the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers]] in June 2014,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/16/world/middleeast/netanyahu-blames-hamas-in-kidnapping-of-israeli-youths.html?_r=0|title=Netanyahu Says Three Were Taken by Hamas|author=Jodi Rudoren|date=15 June 2014|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=24 February 2015|archive-date=24 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224105047/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/16/world/middleeast/netanyahu-blames-hamas-in-kidnapping-of-israeli-youths.html?_r=0|url-status=live}}</ref> and launched a massive search and arrest operation on the West Bank, targeting members of Hamas in particular, and over the following weeks hit 60 targets in Gaza.<ref name="Leas" >James Marc Leas, [http://www.councilforthenationalinterest.org/new/attack-first-kill-first-and-claim-self-defense/#.VN9NFE05Dcs "Attack First, Kill First and Claim Self-Defense: Palestine Subcommittee Submission to UN Independent Commission of Inquiry on the 2014 Gaza Conflict"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214210857/http://www.councilforthenationalinterest.org/new/attack-first-kill-first-and-claim-self-defense/#.VN9NFE05Dcs |date=14 February 2015 }}. [[Council for the National Interest]]. (21 January 2015).</ref> Missile and rocket exchanges between Gaza militants and the IDF escalated after the bodies of the teenagers, who had been killed almost immediately as the government had good reasons to suspect, were discovered on 30 June 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.602189|title=Teens' bodies found|newspaper=Haaretz|date=1 July 2014|access-date=24 February 2015|archive-date=24 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224181422/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.602189|url-status=live}}</ref> After several [[Hamas]] operatives were killed, either in an explosion or from an Israeli bombing, Hamas officially declared it would launch rockets from Gaza into Israel,<ref name="Leas" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-israel-idUSKBN0F521P20140701|title=Israel mourns teenagers, strikes Hamas in Gaza|date=1 July 2014|author=Ori Lewis|publisher=Reuters|access-date=24 February 2015|archive-date=26 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150326063556/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/01/us-palestinians-israel-idUSKBN0F521P20140701|url-status=live}}</ref> and Israel started [[Operation Protective Edge]] in the Gaza Strip, formally ending the November 2012 ceasefire agreement.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.jewishpress.com/news/breaking-news/idfs-operation-protective-edge-begins-against-gaza/2014/07/08/ | title=IDF's Operation 'Protective Edge' Begins Against Gaza | newspaper=The Jewish Press | access-date=8 July 2014 | archive-date=10 July 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140710004714/http://www.jewishpress.com/news/breaking-news/idfs-operation-protective-edge-begins-against-gaza/2014/07/08/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The prime minister did a round of television shows in the United States and described Hamas as "genocidal terrorists" in an interview on CNN.<ref name="IsraelPM">{{cite news |title=Hamas genocidal terrorists says Netanyahu |date=21 July 2014 |url=http://www.israelnews.net/news/223948551/hamas-genocidal-terrorists-says-netanyahu |publisher=Israel News.Net |access-date=19 July 2014 |archive-date=19 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119110216/http://www.israelnews.net/news/223948551/hamas-genocidal-terrorists-says-netanyahu |url-status=live }}</ref> When asked if Gazan casualties from the operation might spark "a third intifada", Netanyahu replied that Hamas was working towards that goal.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.defenseone.com/threats/2014/07/why-benjamin-netanyahu-should-be-very-very-worried/89897/ |title=Why Benjamin Netanyahu Should Be Very, Very Worried |last1=Fournier |first1=Ron |date=28 July 2014 |website=Defense One |publisher=National Journal |access-date=29 July 2014 |archive-date=29 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729161153/http://www.defenseone.com/threats/2014/07/why-benjamin-netanyahu-should-be-very-very-worried/89897/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In October 2014, Netanyahu's government approved a privatization plan to reduce corruption and politicization in government companies, and strengthen Israel's capital market. Under the plan, minority stakes of up to 49% in state-owned companies, including arms manufacturers, energy, postal, water, and railway companies, as well as the ports of Haifa and Ashdod.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-privatisation-idUSKCN0HU0RA20141005|title=Israel approves $4 billion privatization plan for next three years|date=5 October 2016|publisher=Reuters|access-date=30 June 2017|archive-date=18 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018083116/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-privatisation-idUSKCN0HU0RA20141005|url-status=live}}</ref> That same month, Netanyahu called criticism of settlements "against the American values", a remark that earned him a sharp rebuke from the White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest, who noted that American values had resulted in Israel receiving not only consistent funding but protective technology such as Iron Dome. Netanyahu explained that he does not accept restrictions on where Jews could live, and said that Jerusalem's Arabs and Jews should be able to buy homes wherever they want. He said he was "baffled" by the American condemnation. "It's against the American values. And it doesn't bode well for peace. The idea that we'd have this ethnic purification as a condition for peace, I think it's anti-peace."<ref>{{cite news|access-date=7 June 2021|title=White House jabs Netanyahu over 'American values' critique|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/white-house-jabs-netanyahu-over-american-values-critique-114100700057_1.html|work=[[Business Standard]]|agency=[[Agence France-Presse]]|archive-date=7 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107152208/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/white-house-jabs-netanyahu-over-american-values-critique-114100700057_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|access-date=7 June 2021|title=Netanyahu says US criticism of settlements is 'against American values'|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/05/netanyahu-says-us-criticism-settlements-against-american-values|date=5 October 2014|work=The Guardian|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=7 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607093814/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/05/netanyahu-says-us-criticism-settlements-against-american-values|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.619534|title=White House Responds to Netanyahu: American Values Gave Israel the Iron Dome|first=Barak|last=Ravid|date=7 October 2014|newspaper=Haaretz|access-date=14 November 2014|archive-date=13 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113013859/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.619534|url-status=live}}</ref> Not long thereafter, Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic reported that the relationship between Netanyahu and the White House had reached a new low, with the U.S. administration angry over Israel's settlement policies, and Netanyahu expressing contempt for the American administration's grasp of the Middle East.<ref name=crisis>{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2014/10/the-crisis-in-us-israel-relations-is-officially-here/382031/|title=The Crisis in U.S.–Israel Relations Is Officially Here|first=Jeffrey|last=Goldberg|author-link=Jeffrey Goldberg|date=28 October 2014|work=The Atlantic|access-date=5 March 2017|archive-date=6 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151206191955/http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2014/10/the-crisis-in-us-israel-relations-is-officially-here/382031/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 2 December 2014, Netanyahu fired two of his ministers, Finance Minister [[Yair Lapid]], head of the centrist [[Yesh Atid]] party and Justice Minister [[Tzipi Livni]], head of [[Hatnua]]. The changes led to the dissolution of the government, with new elections expected on 17 March 2015.<ref>{{cite news |title=Knesset votes to dissolve, sets new elections for March 17 |date=8 December 2014 |newspaper=The Times of Israel |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/knesset-votes-unanimously-to-dissolve-ushering-in-new-elections/ |access-date=10 December 2014 |archive-date=16 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516081133/https://www.timesofisrael.com/knesset-votes-unanimously-to-dissolve-ushering-in-new-elections/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In January 2015, Netanyahu was invited to address the US Congress. This speech marked Netanyahu's third speech to a joint session of Congress.<ref>{{cite news|title=Netanyahu to address US Congress in February|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Netanyahu-invited-to-speak-to-joint-session-of-US-Congress-in-midst-of-election-campaign-388468|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|first=Herb|last=Keinon|date=1 January 2015|access-date=23 January 2015|archive-date=23 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123194118/http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Netanyahu-invited-to-speak-to-joint-session-of-US-Congress-in-midst-of-election-campaign-388468|url-status=live}}</ref> The day before announcing he would address Congress, ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' reported that he tried to derail a meeting between U.S. lawmakers and the head of Mossad, [[Tamir Pardo]], who intended warning them against imposing further sanctions against Iran, a move that might derail nuclear talks.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4637008,00.html|title=Report: Netanyahu tried to prevent Mossad briefing for US Senators on Iran|work=[[Ynet]]|date=15 March 2015|access-date=15 March 2015|archive-date=16 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316040104/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4637008,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/3744265/benjamin-netanyahu-israel-iran-nuclear-talks-obama/|title=Exclusive: Netanyahu Canceled Intel Briefing for U.S. Senators on Iran Dangers|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|date=14 March 2015|first=Massimo|last=Calabresi|access-date=15 March 2015|archive-date=15 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315124413/http://time.com/3744265/benjamin-netanyahu-israel-iran-nuclear-talks-obama/|url-status=live}}</ref> Leading up to the speech, on 3 March 2015, Israeli consuls general in the United States "expect[ed] fierce negative reaction from U.S. Jewish communities and Israel's allies". Objections included the arrangement of the speech without the support and engagement of the Obama administration and the timing of the speech before Israel's 17 March 2015 election. Seven American Jewish lawmakers met with [[Ron Dermer]], Israel's ambassador to the U.S. and recommended that Netanyahu instead meet with lawmakers privately to discuss Iran.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/.premium-1.640896|title=Consuls in U.S. warn: Israel's friends fear Netanyahu's speech to Congress will harm ties|work=Haaretz|first=Barak|last=Ravid|date=5 February 2015|access-date=5 February 2015|archive-date=5 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205064829/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/.premium-1.640896|url-status=live}}</ref> In making the speech, Netanyahu claimed to speak for all Jews worldwide, a claim disputed by others in the Jewish community.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/01/dianne-feinstein-benjamin-netanyahu_n_6778748.html|title=Dianne Feinstein: Benjamin Netanyahu 'Arrogant' For Claiming To Speak For All Jews|work=The Huffington Post|date=1 March 2015|first=Sam|last=Levine|access-date=1 March 2015|archive-date=2 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150302153935/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/01/dianne-feinstein-benjamin-netanyahu_n_6778748.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/j-street-launches-campaign-against-netanyahu/|title=J Street launches campaign against Netanyahu|work=The Times of Israel|date=10 February 2015|first=Ilan|last=Ben Zion|access-date=1 March 2015|archive-date=1 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150301022228/http://www.timesofisrael.com/j-street-launches-campaign-against-netanyahu/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/blogs/a-special-place-in-hell/.premium-1.641702|title=How dare Netanyahu speak in the name of America's Jews?|work=Haaretz|date=9 February 2015|first=Bradley|last=Burston|access-date=21 March 2021|archive-date=27 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027025519/https://www.haaretz.com/blogs/a-special-place-in-hell/.premium-1.641702|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/news/1.645245|title=Thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews protest in NYC over Netanyahu's speech|work=Haaretz|date=4 March 2015|first=Jacob|last=Kornbluth|access-date=21 March 2021|archive-date=22 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622085034/https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/news/1.645245|url-status=live}}</ref> Rebecca Vilkomerson, executive director of Jewish Voice for Peace, stated that "American Jews are largely appalled by the notion that Netanyahu, or any other Israeli politician – one that we did not elect and do not choose to be represented by – claims to speak for us."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion/netanyahu-does-not-speak-for-all-american-jews-commentary/2015/02/20/9c456ecc-b943-11e4-bc30-a4e75503948a_story.html|title=Netanyahu does not speak for all American Jews|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=20 February 2015|first=Rebecca|last=Vilkomerson|access-date=21 March 2021|archive-date=10 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510151435/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion/netanyahu-does-not-speak-for-all-american-jews-commentary/2015/02/20/9c456ecc-b943-11e4-bc30-a4e75503948a_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

As election day approached in what was perceived to be a close race in the 2015 Israeli elections, Netanyahu answered 'indeed' when asked whether a Palestinian state would not be established in his term. He said that support of a Palestinian state is tantamount to yielding territory for radical Islamic terrorists to attack Israel.<ref>Moran Azulay,[http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4637673,00.html "Netanyahu says no Palestinian state if he remains PM"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317052401/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4637673,00.html |date=17 March 2015 }}. [[Ynet]]. (16 March 2015). "Whoever moves to establish a Palestinian state or intends to withdraw from territory is simply yielding territory for radical Islamic terrorist attacks against Israel"</ref> However, Netanyahu reiterated "I don't want a one-state solution. I want a peaceful, sustainable two-state solution. I have not changed my policy."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/us-says-it-will-re-evaluate-approach-to-israeli-palestinian-conflict-after-netanyahu-election-win/|title=Netanyahu Backtracks on Election Pledge to Refuse a Two-State Solution After Sharp Words from the US|publisher=Vice News|first=Harriet|last=Salem|date=19 March 2015|access-date=9 June 2015|archive-date=13 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713152617/https://news.vice.com/article/us-says-it-will-re-evaluate-approach-to-israeli-palestinian-conflict-after-netanyahu-election-win|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Fourth term ===
{{further|Thirty-fourth government of Israel}}
[[File:SecStae viasit April 2018 (41884908901).jpg|thumb|Netanyahu and US secretary of state [[Mike Pompeo]]]]
[[File:Joseph Dunford visit to Israel, May 2017 DSC 3508 (33798189093).jpg|thumb|Netanyahu, [[Joseph Dunford]] and Jewish veterans of the [[Red Army]], [[Victory Day (9 May)|Victory Day]] in Jerusalem, 9 May 2017]]
[[File:President Trump at the Israel Museum. Jerusalem May 23, 2017 President Trump at the Israel Museum. Jerusalem May 23, 2017 (34460980460).jpg|thumb|Netanyahu meets with President [[Donald Trump]] in Jerusalem, May 2017.]]
[[File:President of Ukraine held a meeting with the Prime Minister of Israel, January 2018.III.jpeg|thumb|Netanyahu meets with Ukrainian president [[Petro Poroshenko]], 24 January 2018.]]
[[File:President Trump Welcome the Prime Minister of Israel to the White House, 25 March 2019.jpg|thumb|President Trump, joined by Netanyahu behind, signs the proclamation [[United States recognition of the Golan Heights as part of Israel|recognizing]] Israel's 1981 [[Golan Heights Law|annexation]] of the [[Golan Heights]], March 2019.]]
In the [[2015 Israeli legislative election|2015 election]], Netanyahu returned with his party Likud leading the elections with 30 mandates, making it the single highest number of seats for the Knesset. President Rivlin granted Netanyahu an extension until 6 May 2015 to build a coalition when one had not been finalized in the first four weeks of negotiations.<ref>[http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Rivlin-grants-Netanyahu-2-week-extension-to-form-coalition-398640 "Rivlin grants Netanyahu 2 week extension to form coalition"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505055231/http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Rivlin-grants-Netanyahu-2-week-extension-to-form-coalition-398640 |date=5 May 2015 }}, ''The Jerusalem Post'', 20 April 2015</ref> He formed a coalition government within two hours of the midnight 6 May deadline.<ref name="TimesIsrael05062015">{{cite news |date=6 May 2015 |title=In the 11th hour, Netanyahu finalizes 61-strong coalition |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/in-the-11th-hour-netanyahu-finalizes-61-strong-coalition/ |newspaper=The Times of Israel |location=[[Jerusalem]] |access-date=6 May 2015 |quote=Prime minister reaches deal with Jewish home's Bennett, finalizing a right-wing government; two men set to deliver a statement; Ayelet Shaked will be named justice minister. |archive-date=6 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150506223752/http://www.timesofisrael.com/in-the-11th-hour-netanyahu-finalizes-61-strong-coalition/ |url-status=live }}</ref> His Likud party formed the coalition with [[The Jewish Home|Jewish Home]], [[United Torah Judaism]], [[Kulanu]], and [[Shas]].<ref name="TimesIsrael05062015"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Heller |first=Jeffery |date=6 May 2015 |title=Netanyahu clinches deal to form new Israeli government |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-politics-idUSKBN0NR29R20150506 |publisher=Reuters |location=London |access-date=6 May 2015 |archive-date=6 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150506223755/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/06/us-israel-politics-idUSKBN0NR29R20150506 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 28 May 2015, Netanyahu announced that he would be running for an unprecedented fifth term as prime minister in the next general election and that he supports Likud's current process of picking MK candidates.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hoffman |first=Gil |date=28 May 2015 |title=Netanyahu vows to run in next election, boost Likud |url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Netanyahu-vows-to-run-in-next-election-boost-Likud-404319 |newspaper=[[The Jerusalem Post]] |location=[[Jerusalem]], [[Israel]] |access-date=28 May 2015 |quote=Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared for the first time Wednesday that he intends to run for an unprecedented fifth term in the next general election, promising to lead the Likud to 40 seats. |archive-date=28 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528011414/http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Netanyahu-vows-to-run-in-next-election-boost-Likud-404319 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In August 2015, Netanyahu's government approved a two-year budget that would see agricultural reforms and lowering of import duties to reduce [[food prices]], deregulation of the approval process in construction to lower housing costs and speed up infrastructure building, and reforms in the financial sector to boost competition and lower fees for financial services.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/cabinet-passes-state-budget-for-2015-2016/|title=Cabinet approves state budget for 2015–2016|newspaper=The Times of Israel|author=Winer, Stuart|date=6 August 2015|access-date=21 March 2021|archive-date=27 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227234957/https://www.timesofisrael.com/cabinet-passes-state-budget-for-2015-2016/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Government-approves-2015-2016-budget-after-marathon-session-411294|title=State budget passes after marathon talks|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|first=Gil|last=Hoffman|date=6 August 2015|access-date=21 March 2021|archive-date=27 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227100250/http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Government-approves-2015-2016-budget-after-marathon-session-411294|url-status=live}}</ref> In the end, the government was forced to compromise by removing some key agricultural reforms.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/opinion/.premium-1.686444|title=Israel Set to Pass a Disappointing Budget|first=Nehemia|last=Shtrasler|date=17 November 2015|newspaper=Haaretz|access-date=4 January 2016|archive-date=4 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104115422/http://www.haaretz.com/opinion/.premium-1.686444|url-status=live}}</ref>

In October 2015, Netanyahu drew widespread criticism for claiming that the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, [[Haj Amin al-Husseini]], gave [[Adolf Hitler]] the idea for the [[The Holocaust|Holocaust]] in the preceding months to the [[Second World War]], convincing the Nazi leader to exterminate Jews rather than just expel them from Europe.<ref>{{cite web |title=PM Netanyahu at the 37th Zionist World Congress |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=293&v=mZbMf7vDU6g&feature=youtu.be |website=YouTube | date=20 October 2015 |publisher=IsraeliPM |access-date=21 March 2022 |archive-date=21 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321024611/https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=293&v=mZbMf7vDU6g&feature=youtu.be |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = Netanyahu, Saying Palestinian Mufti Inspired Holocaust, Draws Broad Criticism|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/22/world/middleeast/netanyahu-saying-palestinian-mufti-inspired-holocaust-draws-broad-criticism.html|newspaper = The New York Times|date = 21 October 2015|access-date = 21 October 2015|issn = 0362-4331|first = Jodi|last = Rudoren|archive-date = 21 October 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151021211809/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/22/world/middleeast/netanyahu-saying-palestinian-mufti-inspired-holocaust-draws-broad-criticism.html|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Richards | first = Victoria | date = 21 October 2015 | title = Benjamin Netanyahu blames Holocaust on Palestinian leader Haj Amin al-Husseini | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/benjamin-netanyahu-blames-holocaust-on-palestinian-leader-haj-amin-al-husseini-a6702091.html | newspaper = The Independent | access-date = 21 October 2015 | archive-date = 21 October 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151021222756/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/benjamin-netanyahu-blames-holocaust-on-palestinian-leader-haj-amin-al-husseini-a6702091.html | url-status = live }}</ref> This idea is dismissed by mainstream historians,<ref>{{cite news | title = Netanyahu: Hitler Didn't Want to Exterminate the Jews | url = http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.681525 | newspaper = Haaretz | date = 21 October 2015 | access-date = 23 October 2015 | archive-date = 23 October 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151023005805/http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.681525 | url-status = live }}</ref> who note that al-Husseini's meeting with Hitler took place approximately five months after the mass murder of Jews began.<ref name = "Hatz months before">{{cite news |last= Aderet |first= Ofer |date= 22 October 2015 |title= Mass murder of Jews in Europe started months before Hitler met mufti, historians say |url= http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-1.681661 |newspaper= Haaretz |access-date= 23 October 2015 |archive-date= 23 October 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151023023117/http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-1.681661 |url-status= live }}</ref> German Chancellor [[Angela Merkel]] said she did not accept Netanyahu's claims, and reiterated an acceptance of her country's crimes during the Nazi era.<ref>{{cite news | last = Connolly | first = Kate | date = 21 October 2015 | title = Germany refuses to accept Netanyahu's claim Palestinian inspired Holocaust | url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/21/germany-refuses-accept-binjamin-netanyahu-claim-adolf-hitler-holocaust | newspaper = The Guardian | access-date = 21 October 2015 | archive-date = 19 October 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211019074639/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/21/germany-refuses-accept-binjamin-netanyahu-claim-adolf-hitler-holocaust | url-status = live }}</ref> Netanyahu later explained that his "aim was not to absolve Hitler from the responsibility he bears, but to show that the father of the Palestinian nation at the time, without a state and before the 'occupation', without the territories and with the settlements, even then aspired with systemic incitement for the destruction of the Jews."<ref name="Sokol">{{cite news |last= Sokol |first= Sam |date= 21 October 2015 |title= Netanyahu's Holocaust distortion obscures Mufti's collaboration, say historians |url= http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Netanyahus-Holocaust-distortion-obscures-Muftis-collaboration-say-historians-428670 |newspaper= The Jerusalem Post |access-date= 21 October 2015 |archive-date= 21 October 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151021205225/http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Netanyahus-Holocaust-distortion-obscures-Muftis-collaboration-say-historians-428670 |url-status= live }}</ref> Some of the strongest criticism came from Israeli academics: [[Yehuda Bauer]] said Netanyahu's claim was "completely idiotic",<ref name = "Hatz months before"/> while [[Moshe Zimmermann]] stated that "any attempt to deflect the burden from Hitler to others is a form of [[Holocaust denial]]."<ref>{{cite news |last= Tate |first= Emily |date= 22 October 2015 |title= Under-fire Netanyahu criticised over 'a form of Holocaust denial' |url= http://www.independent.ie/world-news/middle-east/underfire-netanyahu-criticised-over-a-form-of-holocaust-denial-34130477.html |newspaper= [[Irish Independent]] |access-date= 23 October 2015 |archive-date= 2 January 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160102062916/http://www.independent.ie/world-news/middle-east/underfire-netanyahu-criticised-over-a-form-of-holocaust-denial-34130477.html |url-status= live }}</ref>

In March 2016, Netanyahu's coalition faced a potential crisis as ultra-Orthodox members threatened to withdraw over the government's proposed steps to create non-Orthodox prayer space at the [[Western Wall]]. They have stated they will leave the coalition if the government offers any further official state recognition of Conservative and [[Reform Judaism]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Netanyahu-facing-crisis-as-Haredim-vow-to-quit-over-Western-Wall-pluralism-447102|title=Netanyahu facing crisis as haredim vow to quit over Western Wall pluralism|work=The Jerusalem Post|date=7 March 2016|first1=Arik|last1=Bender|first2=Jeremy|last2=Sharon|access-date=21 March 2021|archive-date=24 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224200607/https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Netanyahu-facing-crisis-as-Haredim-vow-to-quit-over-Western-Wall-pluralism-447102|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 23 December 2016, the [[United States]], under the [[Obama Administration]], abstained from [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334]], effectively allowing it to pass.<ref>{{cite news | last1=Collinson | first1=Stephen | last2=Wright | first2=David | last3=Labott | first3=Elise | title=US Abstains as UN Demands End to Israeli Settlements | url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/23/politics/israel-official-rips-obama-un-settlements/ | date=24 December 2016 | publisher=CNN | access-date=7 January 2017 | archive-date=6 January 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106160100/http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/23/politics/israel-official-rips-obama-un-settlements/ | url-status=live }}</ref> On 28 December, U.S. Secretary of State [[John Kerry]] strongly criticized Israel and its [[Israeli settlement|settlement policies]] in a speech.<ref>{{cite news | last1=Sanger | first1=David E. | title=Kerry Rebukes Israel, Calling Settlements a Threat to Peace | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/28/us/politics/john-kerry-israel-palestine-peace.html?_r=0 | date=28 December 2016 | newspaper=The New York Times | access-date=7 January 2017 | archive-date=3 January 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103150801/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/28/us/politics/john-kerry-israel-palestine-peace.html?_r=0 | url-status=live }}</ref> Netanyahu strongly criticized both the UN Resolution<ref>{{cite news | last1=Barak | first1=Ravid | title=Netanyahu on UN Settlement Vote: Israel Will Not Turn the Other Cheek | url=http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.761470 | date=26 December 2016 | newspaper=[[Haaretz]] | access-date=7 January 2017 | archive-date=7 January 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107024914/http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.761470 | url-status=live }}</ref> and Kerry's speech<ref>{{cite news | title=Israel-Palestinians: Netanyahu Condemns John Kerry Speech | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38455753 | date=29 December 2016 | publisher=BBC News | access-date=7 January 2017 | archive-date=7 December 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207115847/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38455753 | url-status=live }}</ref> in response. On 6 January 2017, the Israeli government withdrew its annual dues from the organization, which totaled $6&nbsp;million in [[United States dollar]]s.<ref>{{cite news | title=Israel Halts $6 million to UN to Protest UN Settlements Vote | url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/israel-halts-6-million-to-un-to-protest-un-settlements-vote | date=6 January 2017 | publisher=[[Fox News]] (from the [[Associated Press]]) | access-date=7 January 2017 | archive-date=7 January 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107160546/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/01/06/israel-halts-6-million-to-un-to-protest-un-settlements-vote.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

On 22 February 2017, Netanyahu became the first serving prime minister of Israel to visit [[Australia]]. He was accompanied by his wife, Sara. The three-day official visit included a delegation of business representatives, and Netanyahu and [[Prime Minister of Australia]] [[Malcolm Turnbull]] were scheduled to sign several bilateral agreements. Netanyahu recalled that it was the [[Australian Light Horse#Formation and organisation|Australian Light Horse regiments]] that [[Battle of Beersheba (1917)|liberated]] [[Beersheba]] during [[World War I]], and this began what has been a relationship of 100 years between the countries.<ref name="2017-02-22_ABC">[http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-22/benjamin-netanyahu-arrives-in-sydney/8291846 "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lands in Sydney amid controversy"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222073145/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-22/benjamin-netanyahu-arrives-in-sydney/8291846 |date=22 February 2017 }}, [[ABC News Online]], 22 February 2017</ref>

On 12 October 2017, shortly after the United States announced the same action, Netanyahu's government announced it was leaving [[UNESCO]] due to what it saw as anti-Israel actions by the agency,<ref>{{cite news | title=Israel to Join US in Quitting Unesco | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-41598991 | date=12 October 2017 | publisher=[[BBC News]] | access-date=22 January 2018 | archive-date=27 December 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227020019/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-41598991 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last1=Irish | first1=John | title=U.S., Israel Quit U.N. Heritage Agency Citing Bias | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-unesco-election-usa/u-s-israel-quit-u-n-heritage-agency-citing-bias-idUSKBN1CH1YO | date=12 October 2017 | publisher=[[Reuters]] | access-date=22 January 2018 | archive-date=28 March 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328082539/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-unesco-election-usa/u-s-israel-quit-u-n-heritage-agency-citing-bias-idUSKBN1CH1YO | url-status=live }}</ref> and it made that decision official in December 2017.<ref>{{cite news | last1=Landau | first1=Noa | title=Following in U.S.' Footsteps, Israel Announces Exit From UNESCO | url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/following-u-s-footsteps-israel-announces-exit-from-unesco-1.5629428 | date=22 December 2017 | newspaper=[[Haaretz]] | access-date=22 January 2018 | archive-date=23 January 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123072833/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/following-u-s-footsteps-israel-announces-exit-from-unesco-1.5629428 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Israel Joins US in Announcing Withdrawal from UNESCO | url=https://www.jta.org/2017/12/24/news-opinion/israel-middle-east/israel-joins-us-in-announcing-withdrawal-from-unesco | date=24 December 2017 | publisher=[[Jewish Telegraphic Agency]] | access-date=22 January 2018 | archive-date=23 January 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123072530/https://www.jta.org/2017/12/24/news-opinion/israel-middle-east/israel-joins-us-in-announcing-withdrawal-from-unesco | url-status=live }}</ref> The Israeli government officially notified UNESCO of the withdrawal in late December 2017.<ref>{{cite web | title=Joining US, Israel Formally Notifies UNESCO of Withdrawal | url=http://p.dw.com/p/2q7im | date=29 December 2017 | publisher=[[Deutsche Welle]] | access-date=22 January 2018 | archive-date=20 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120164215/https://www.dw.com/en/joining-us-israel-formally-notifies-unesco-of-withdrawal/a-41975412 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last1=Landau | first1=Noa | title=Israel Officially Resigns From UNESCO, Following U.S. | url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-israel-officially-resigns-from-unesco-following-u-s-1.5630021 | date=31 December 2017 | newspaper=[[Haaretz]] | access-date=22 January 2018 | archive-date=23 January 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123073114/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-israel-officially-resigns-from-unesco-following-u-s-1.5630021 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last1=Hacohen | first1=Hagay | title=Racing Against the Clock, Israel Submits Letter Quitting UNESCO | url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Israel-cant-submit-resignation-from-UNESCO-letter-over-holiday-break-520296 | date=29 December 2017 | newspaper=[[The Jerusalem Post]] | access-date=22 January 2018 | archive-date=21 January 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121210518/http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Israel-cant-submit-resignation-from-UNESCO-letter-over-holiday-break-520296 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Israel Says it Succeeded in Bid to Withdraw from UNESCO by 2019, Official Says | url=https://www.jta.org/2017/12/29/news-opinion/israel-middle-east/israel-successfully-announced-withdrawal-from-unesco-by-2019-official-says | date=29 December 2017 | publisher=[[Jewish Telegraphic Agency]] | access-date=22 January 2018 | archive-date=23 January 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123131616/https://www.jta.org/2017/12/29/news-opinion/israel-middle-east/israel-successfully-announced-withdrawal-from-unesco-by-2019-official-says | url-status=live }}</ref>

On 30 April 2018, Netanyahu accused Iran of not holding up its end of the [[Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action|Iran nuclear deal]] after presenting [[Project Amad|a cache]] of over 100,000 documents detailing the extent of Iran's nuclear program. Iran denounced Netanyahu's presentation as "propaganda".<ref>{{cite news |date=30 April 2018 |title=Netanyahu Unveils Secret Iranian Nuclear Program |url=https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Benjamin-Netanyahu/WATCH-LIVE-Netanyahu-address-the-nation-discussing-dramatic-Iran-news-553124 |work=The Jerusalem Post |access-date=1 May 2018 |archive-date=6 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906045830/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/benjamin-netanyahu/watch-live-netanyahu-address-the-nation-discussing-dramatic-iran-news-553124 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Netanyahu praised the [[2018 North Korea–United States summit]]. He said in a statement, "I commend US President Donald Trump on the historic summit in Singapore. This is an important step in the effort to rid the Korean peninsula of nuclear weapons."<ref>{{cite news |title=Netanyahu congratulates Trump on Kim summit, Iran policy |url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/177024-180612-netanyahu-congratulates-trump-on-kim-summit-iran-policy |publisher=i24NEWS |date=12 June 2018 |access-date=24 June 2018 |archive-date=26 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426065931/https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/177024-180612-netanyahu-congratulates-trump-on-kim-summit-iran-policy |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 19 July 2018, the Knesset passed the [[Basic Law: Israel as the Nation-State of the Jewish People|Nation-State Bill]], a [[Basic Laws of Israel|Basic Law]] supported by Netanyahu's coalition government.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Halbfinger |first1=David M. |last2=Kershner |first2=Isabel |title=Israeli Law Declares the Country the 'Nation-State of the Jewish People' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/19/world/middleeast/israel-law-jews-arabic.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719102342/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/19/world/middleeast/israel-law-jews-arabic.html |archive-date=19 July 2018 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |date=19 July 2018 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=23 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lis |first1=Jonathan |last2=Landau |first2=Noa |title=Israel Passes Controversial Jewish Nation-state Bill After Stormy Debate |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israel-passes-controversial-nation-state-bill-1.6291048 |date=19 July 2018 |newspaper=[[Haaretz]] |access-date=23 July 2018 |archive-date=26 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726064526/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israel-passes-controversial-nation-state-bill-1.6291048 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Eglash |first1=Ruth |title=Contentious Nation-State Law Declaring Israel the Jewish Homeland Approved by Lawmakers |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/lawmakers-approve-nationalistic-bill-declaring-israel-the-jewish-homeland/2018/07/19/0ef9410e-8ac0-11e8-9d59-dccc2c0cabcf_story.html |date=19 July 2018 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=23 July 2018 |archive-date=23 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723064153/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/lawmakers-approve-nationalistic-bill-declaring-israel-the-jewish-homeland/2018/07/19/0ef9410e-8ac0-11e8-9d59-dccc2c0cabcf_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Analysts saw the bill as a sign of Netanyahu's coalition advancing a right-wing agenda.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Halbfinger |first1=David M. |title=Israel Cements Right-Wing Agenda in a Furious Week of Lawmaking |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/20/world/middleeast/israel-netanyahu.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721011943/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/20/world/middleeast/israel-netanyahu.html |archive-date=21 July 2018 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |date=20 July 2018 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=23 July 2018}}</ref>

Prior to the [[April 2019 Israeli legislative election]], Netanyahu helped broker a deal that united the [[The Jewish Home|Jewish Home]] party<ref name="jpost.com">{{cite news|first=Michal|last=Wilner|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|url=https://www.jpost.com/Israel-Elections/Netanyahu-says-he-will-accept-Kahanists-in-government-Who-are-they-581247|title=Who are the Kahanists of Otzma Netanyahu opened Knesset door to? – Israel Elections|access-date=11 March 2019|archive-date=18 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218093404/https://www.jpost.com/Israel-Elections/Netanyahu-says-he-will-accept-Kahanists-in-government-Who-are-they-581247|url-status=live}}</ref> with the far-right [[Otzma Yehudit]] party, in order to form the [[Union of the Right-Wing Parties]]. The motivation of the deal was to overcome the [[electoral threshold]] for smaller parties. The deal was criticized in the media, as Otzma is widely characterized as racist and traces its origins to the extremist [[Kahanism|Kahanist]] movement.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/24/world/middleeast/benjamin-netanyahu-otzma-yehudit-jewish-power.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225033056/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/24/world/middleeast/benjamin-netanyahu-otzma-yehudit-jewish-power.html |archive-date=25 February 2019 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|title=Netanyahu Sparks Outrage Over Pact With Racist Party|first=David M.|last=Halbfinger|date=24 February 2019|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5467651,00.html|title=Otzma Yehudit's history of racism and provocation|date=21 February 2019|website=Ynetnews|first=Dror|last=Liba|access-date=14 March 2019|archive-date=21 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421223525/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5467651,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Criminal investigations and indictment====
{{Main|Trial of Benjamin Netanyahu}}
Since January 2017, Netanyahu has been investigated and questioned by Israeli police in two cases, "Case 1000" and "Case 2000". The two cases are connected. In Case 1000, Netanyahu is suspected of having obtained inappropriate favors from businessmen, including [[James Packer]] and Hollywood producer [[Arnon Milchan]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Amnon Abramovich |url=http://reshet.tv/item/news/politics/politics/suspected-of-accepting-favors-82058/ |script-title=he:תיק הבדיקה נגד נתניהו נחשף: ראש הממשלה חשוד בקבלת טובות הנאה |language=he |trans-title=Examination file against Netanyahu revealed: Prime Minister is suspected of receiving favors |publisher=[[Reshet]] |access-date=29 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230091611/http://reshet.tv/item/news/politics/politics/suspected-of-accepting-favors-82058/ |archive-date=30 December 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/06/netanyahu-questioned-israeli-police-second-time-graft-probe/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/06/netanyahu-questioned-israeli-police-second-time-graft-probe/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |date=6 January 2017 |access-date=4 May 2020 |agency=Associated Press |title=Netanyahu questioned by Israeli police for a second time in graft probe|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Case 2000 involves alleged attempts to strike a deal with the publisher of the ''Yedioth Ahronot'' newspaper group, [[Arnon Mozes]], to promote legislation to weaken Yedioth's main competitor, [[Israel Hayom]], in exchange for more favorable coverage of Netanyahu.

On 3 August 2017, Israeli police confirmed for the first time that Netanyahu was suspected of crimes involving fraud, breach of trust, and bribes in cases "1000" and "2000".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/benjamin-netanyahu-suspected-bribery-fraud-israel-police/ |title=Benjamin Netanyahu suspected of bribery, fraud, Israeli police say |work=CBS News |agency=Associated Press |date=4 August 2017 |access-date=4 May 2020 |archive-date=28 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200428144321/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/benjamin-netanyahu-suspected-bribery-fraud-israel-police/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The next day, it was reported that the prime minister's former chief of staff, [[Ari Harow]], had signed a deal with prosecutors to testify against Netanyahu in these cases.<ref>{{cite news |first=Revital |last=Hovel |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/former-netanyahu-aide-reaches-deal-to-become-state-s-witness-1.5440062 |title=Former Netanyahu Aide Ari Harow Reaches Deal to Become State's Witness |work=Haaretz |date=4 August 2017 |access-date=4 May 2020 |archive-date=28 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200428144326/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/former-netanyahu-aide-reaches-deal-to-become-state-s-witness-1.5440062 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Jerusalem demonstrations 06.jpg|thumb|[[Protests against Benjamin Netanyahu (2020)|Israelis protest against Netanyahu]] outside [[Beit Aghion|his official residence]] in Jerusalem on 30 July 2020]]
On 13 February 2018, Israeli police recommended that Netanyahu be charged with corruption. According to a police statement, sufficient evidence exists to indict the prime minister on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in the two cases. Netanyahu responded that the allegations were baseless and that he would continue as prime minister.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43051249|title=Israel PM Netanyahu faces corruption charges|date=13 February 2018|publisher=BBC News|access-date=13 February 2018|language=en-GB|archive-date=29 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329035934/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43051249|url-status=live}}</ref> On 25 November 2018, it was reported that Economic Crimes Division Director Liat Ben-Ari recommended indictment for both cases.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Report-Netanyahus-prosecutor-recommends-indictment-in-two-cases-572785|title=Report: Netanyahu's prosecutor recommends indictment in two cases|work=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=26 November 2018|archive-date=29 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329042733/https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Report-Netanyahus-prosecutor-recommends-indictment-in-two-cases-572785|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 28 February 2019, the Israeli attorney general announced his intent to file indictments against Netanyahu on bribe and fraud charges in three different cases.<ref name="indictments">{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-indicted-bribe-fraud-charges-n977571|title=Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be indicted on corruption charges|date=28 February 2019|access-date=28 February 2019|publisher=NBC News|archive-date=28 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328174958/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-indicted-bribe-fraud-charges-n977571|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="toi21nov">{{cite news |last1=Wootliff |first1=Raoul |date=21 November 2019 |title=AG announces Netanyahu to stand trial for bribery, fraud and breach of trust |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/ag-announces-netanyahu-to-stand-trial-for-bribery-fraud-and-breach-of-trust/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028182456/https://www.timesofisrael.com/ag-announces-netanyahu-to-stand-trial-for-bribery-fraud-and-breach-of-trust/ |archive-date=28 October 2023 |access-date=22 November 2019 |work=[[The Times of Israel]]}}</ref> Netanyahu was formally indicted on 21 November 2019.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/netanyahu-charged-bribery-fraud-corruption-israel-election-1.8137771|title=Netanyahu Charged With Bribery, Fraud and Breach of Trust, Capping a Dramatic Political Year|last=Bandel|first=Netael|date=21 November 2019|work=[[Haaretz]]|access-date=22 November 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20191122005301/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/netanyahu-charged-bribery-fraud-corruption-israel-election-1.8137771|archive-date=22 November 2019|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/21/israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-indicted-for-bribery-and|title=Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu indicted for bribery and fraud|last=Holmes|first=Oliver|work=The Guardian|date=21 November 2019|access-date=21 November 2019|archive-date=18 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518001350/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/21/israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-indicted-for-bribery-and|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|page=A1 |work=The Wall Street Journal |title=Israel's Netanyahu Is Indicted on Bribery and Fraud Charges | author1=Felicia Schwartz |author2=Dov Lieber |date=22 November 2019 |volume=CCLXXIV |number=123}}</ref> If Netanyahu is convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison for bribery and a maximum of three years for fraud and breach of trust.<ref>{{Cite web|first=David M.|last=Halbfinger|title=Israel's Netanyahu Indicted on Charges of Fraud, Bribery and Breach of Trust|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/21/world/middleeast/netanyahu-corruption-indicted.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191121164012/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/21/world/middleeast/netanyahu-corruption-indicted.html |archive-date=21 November 2019 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|newspaper=The New York Times|date=21 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.trust.org/item/20191121161354-9wsxc/|title=Israel's attorney general indicts PM Netanyahu on corruption charges|last1=Heller|first1=Jeffrey|last2=Williams|first2=Dan|date=21 November 2019|agency=[[Reuters]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20191122013305/https://news.trust.org/item/20191121161354-9wsxc/|archive-date=22 November 2019|access-date=21 November 2019}}</ref> He is the first sitting prime minister in Israel's history to be charged with a crime.<ref name="toi21nov" /><ref name="haaretznov23" /><ref name="toinov23">{{Cite web |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=23 November 2019 |title=Netanyahu said set to give up 4 ministry portfolios after charges announced |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-said-set-to-give-up-4-ministry-portfolios-after-charges-announced/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028182549/https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-said-set-to-give-up-4-ministry-portfolios-after-charges-announced/ |archive-date=28 October 2023 |access-date=23 November 2019 |work=The Times of Israel}}</ref> On 23 November 2019, it was announced that Netanyahu, in compliance with legal precedent set by the Israeli Supreme Court in 1993,<ref name="haaretznov23">{{cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-netanyahu-to-relinquish-ministerial-portfolios-in-coming-days-1.8166032|title=Netanyahu to Relinquish Ministerial Portfolios in Coming Days|first=Chaim|last=Levinson|publisher=Haaretz|date=23 November 2019|access-date=23 November 2019|archive-date=26 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191126001204/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-netanyahu-to-relinquish-ministerial-portfolios-in-coming-days-1.8166032|url-status=live}}</ref> would relinquish his agriculture, health, social affairs and diaspora affairs portfolios.<ref name="haaretznov23" /><ref name="toinov23" /> The matter of forcing a prime minister to resign due to an indictment has yet to be tested in court.<ref name="haaretznov23" /><ref name="toinov23" /> He was officially charged on 28 January 2020.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/28/netanyahu-withdraws-immunity-from-prosecution-request|title=Netanyahu indicted in court after removing immunity request|date=28 January 2020|work=The Guardian|language=en|access-date=28 January 2020|archive-date=28 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128100001/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/28/netanyahu-withdraws-immunity-from-prosecution-request|url-status=live}}</ref>

Netanyahu's criminal trial was set to begin on 24 May 2020, having been initially scheduled for March of that year but delayed due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Was-the-delay-of-Netanyahus-trial-cynical-or-legal-analysis-621051|title=Was the delay of Netanyahu's trial cynical or legal? – analysis|work=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=15 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315153019/https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Was-the-delay-of-Netanyahus-trial-cynical-or-legal-analysis-621051|url-status=live}}</ref> As of April 2023, [[Trial of Benjamin Netanyahu|the criminal trial]] was still ongoing.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 April 2023 |title=What is the latest on Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial? |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/what-is-the-latest-on-benjamin-netanyahus-corruption-trial/articleshow/99808082.cms?from=mdr |access-date=1 May 2023 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=1 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501075332/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/what-is-the-latest-on-benjamin-netanyahus-corruption-trial/articleshow/99808082.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Fifth term ===
{{further|Thirty-fifth government of Israel}}
On 17 May 2020, Netanyahu was sworn in for a fifth term as prime minister in a coalition with [[Benny Gantz]]. Against a background of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Israel]] and Netanyahu's criminal trial, [[Protests against Benjamin Netanyahu|extensive demonstrations broke out against him]] in front of the prime minister's residence. Following this, Netanyahu ordered to disperse the demonstrations using COVID-19 special regulations, limiting them to 20 people and at a distance of 1,000 meters from their homes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/1601443382-israel-parliament-votes-to-restrict-demonstrations-amid-2nd-national-lockdown|title=i24NEWS|publisher=[[i24News]]|access-date=11 October 2020|archive-date=23 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023055130/https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/1601443382-israel-parliament-votes-to-restrict-demonstrations-amid-2nd-national-lockdown|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the exact opposite was achieved; the demonstrations were enlarged and dispersed to over 1,000 centers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/Article-793159|title="הדגלים השחורים" מפגינים במעל לכ-1,000 מוקדים ברחבי הארץ|website=www.maariv.co.il|access-date=11 October 2020|archive-date=25 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025002906/https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/Article-793159|url-status=live}}</ref> By March 2021, Israel became the country with the [[COVID-19 vaccination in Israel|highest vaccinated population]] per capita in the world against COVID-19.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Israel's COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout Is Slowing at a Critical Moment. That's a Warning for the Rest of Us|url=https://time.com/5947967/israel-covid-vaccine-rollout/|date=19 March 2021|magazine=Time|access-date=26 May 2021|archive-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518185448/https://time.com/5947967/israel-covid-vaccine-rollout/|url-status=live}}</ref>

After tensions escalated in Jerusalem in May 2021, Hamas fired rockets on Israel from Gaza, which prompted Netanyahu to initiate [[2021 Israel–Palestine crisis|Operation Guardian of the Walls]], lasting eleven days.<ref>{{cite news |title=Netanyahu, defense chiefs call operation 'game-changing' defeat of Hamas |last=Harkov |first=Lahav |url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/netanyahu-not-everything-is-known-to-public-and-hamas-668761 |newspaper=The Jerusalem Post |date=21 May 2021 |access-date=26 May 2021 |archive-date=5 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705043231/https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/netanyahu-not-everything-is-known-to-public-and-hamas-668761 |url-status=live }}</ref> After the operation, Israeli politician and leader of the Yamina alliance [[Naftali Bennett]] announced that he had agreed to a deal with Leader of the Opposition [[Yair Lapid]] to form a [[rotation government]] that would oust Netanyahu from his position as prime minister.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hoffman |first=Gil |date=21 November 2019 |title=Rivlin hands over mandate, begs MKs to prevent third election |url=https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Rivlin-Edelstein-beg-MKs-to-prevent-third-election-608584 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007101227/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/rivlin-edelstein-beg-mks-to-prevent-third-election-608584 |archive-date=7 October 2020 |access-date=21 November 2019 |website=[[The Jerusalem Post]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Eglash |first=Ruth |date=17 May 2020 |title=After three elections and political deadlock, Israel finally swears in new government |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/after-three-elections-and-political-deadlock-israel-finally-swears-in-new-government/2020/05/17/ba25e752-9807-11ea-87a3-22d324235636_story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417084348/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/after-three-elections-and-political-deadlock-israel-finally-swears-in-new-government/2020/05/17/ba25e752-9807-11ea-87a3-22d324235636_story.html |archive-date=17 April 2021 |access-date=20 May 2020 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref> On 13 June 2021, Bennett and Lapid formed [[Thirty-sixth government of Israel|a coalition government]],<ref>{{Cite news|title=Bennett announces plan to form gov't with Lapid that will oust Netanyahu|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/yesh-atid-new-hope-teams-to-meet-669589|access-date=30 May 2021|work=The Jerusalem Post|language=en-US|archive-date=16 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616040517/https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/yesh-atid-new-hope-teams-to-meet-669589|url-status=live}}</ref> and Netanyahu was ousted as prime minister, ending his 12-year tenure.<ref>{{Cite web|title=End of the road for Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving PM|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/13/reign-of-netanyahu-israels-longest-serving-pm-comes-to-an-end|access-date=13 June 2021|date=13 June 2021|website=[[Al Jazeera Arabic|Al Jazeera]]|language=en|archive-date=13 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613183152/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/13/reign-of-netanyahu-israels-longest-serving-pm-comes-to-an-end|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Picheta |first1=Rob |last2=Gold |first2=Hadas |last3=Tal |first3=Amir |date=29 December 2022 |title=Benjamin Netanyahu sworn in as leader of Israel's likely most right-wing government ever |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/29/middleeast/israel-benjamin-netanyahu-swearing-in-intl/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228233951/https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/29/middleeast/israel-benjamin-netanyahu-swearing-in-intl/index.html |archive-date=28 February 2023 |access-date=29 December 2022 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>