NETANYAHU’S MILITARY BACKGROUND: A LOOK AT THE ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER’S SERVICE
A recent commentary highlights Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military background and his return to Israel from the United States in the late 1960s.
Netanyahu joined the Israel Defense Forces in 1967 at the age of 18 and later served in Sayeret Matkal, Israel’s elite special forces unit. He participated in several military operations during his service, including the 1972 operation to free hostages from a hijacked Sabena Airlines flight.
Netanyahu also served during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, in which Israel fought Egypt, Syria and other Arab forces. The conflict ended with a ceasefire after major fighting on multiple fronts.
The commentary presents Netanyahu’s military career as part of his broader political and national-security background and argues that Israel’s military conflicts with regional adversaries have a long history.
The discussion also reflects on growing international criticism and support surrounding Israel, amid the continuing regional tensions involving Israel, Iran and the United States.