Benjamin Netanyahu

Benjamin Netanyahu is a prominent Israeli politician who has served multiple terms as the Prime Minister of Israel, making him the longest-serving Prime Minister in the country’s history. Born on 21 October 1949 in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu has been a central figure in Israeli politics, representing the Likud Party. He first assumed office as Prime Minister from 1996 to 1999, and then again from 2009 to 2021, before returning to the role in December 2022 following the elections that year.

Netanyahu’s political career began in the 1980s, initially serving as Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations from 1984 to 1988. He became a member of the Knesset and held positions like the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Foreign Affairs before ascending to the Prime Minister’s role. His tenure has been marked by his strong stance on national security, a hardline approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict, and efforts to strengthen ties with the United States, India, and other allies. Domestically, he has advocated for free-market policies, economic reforms, and the expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, a policy that has drawn international criticism.

Netanyahu’s leadership has also been controversial, with allegations of corruption and legal battles that have dominated Israeli politics. His supporters see him as a strong leader who has advanced Israel's security interests and economic growth, while critics accuse him of eroding democratic institutions and exacerbating divisions within Israeli society.

 In October 2023, BOOM fact-checked a viral deepfake video claiming to show Jordan's Queen Rania expressing support for Netanyahu’s stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza.

BOOM found that the original video was manipulated, with Queen Rania actually criticizing Western leaders for their silence on Israel's bombing of Gaza, debunking the false narrative.