Benjamin ‘Bibi’ Netanyahu, the MIT-educated, suave and articulate commando-turned politician, has held the record as the longest serving Israeli PM, since he first became PM in 1996. In July this year, he surpassed the record of Israel’s founding father and first PM, David Ben Gurion, as the longest serving PM.
Known popularly by his nickname ‘Bibi’, Netanyahu won a record fifth term as PM in this year’s April election, against adverse poll ratings triggered by corruption scandals. A fresh election on 17 September was not on the political calendar of Israel. Cancelling his visit to India and the USA, Netanyahu was forced to call for snap election when he failed to form a sustainable coalition government. This election, the second in five months, may prove to be Netanyahu’s biggest political challenge so far.