Benjamin Netanyahu’s Election as Prime Minister of Israel on May 31, 1996

On May 31, 1996, Benjamin Netanyahu was elected as the Prime Minister of Israel, marking a significant political shift towards a more conservative government. This election was pivotal in Israeli politics for several reasons, involving both domestic and international implications.

Background

The 1996 elections were the first direct elections for the Prime Minister in Israel’s history. Previously, the Prime Minister had been selected from the largest party in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. The election took place in the shadow of the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995 and amidst ongoing tensions in the peace process with the Palestinians.

The Election

Benjamin Netanyahu, leading the Likud party, competed against Shimon Peres from the Labor party, the incumbent leader who had succeeded Rabin. The election was closely contested and presented as a referendum on the Oslo Accords and the peace process. Netanyahu’s campaign focused on security concerns and skepticism about the Oslo peace process, which resonated with a significant portion of the electorate who were apprehensive about ongoing violence and uncertain about the peace agreements’ outcomes.

Result and Aftermath

Netanyahu won the election by a narrow margin. His victory represented a halt in the momentum of the peace process negotiations that had been set forth by the previous governments led by Rabin and then by Peres. Upon assuming office, Netanyahu took a cautious approach to peace talks, emphasizing Israel’s security and slowing down the peace process initiatives.

Historical Significance

Netanyahu’s election marked a turning point in Israeli politics, establishing him as a prominent national figure and setting the stage for his long tenure in Israeli politics. His election underscored a shift to the right within the Israeli electorate, reflecting growing concerns about security and skepticism about peace initiatives. His tenure would later see him become Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, with a significant impact on the nation’s political landscape.

This election remains a crucial moment in Israeli history, influencing the country’s political direction, approach to peace negotiations, and relations with neighboring countries and international actors.