Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has presided over the country for more than 16 years across multiple terms, shaping its politics, economy, and security doctrine. Yet, despite his reputation as a security hawk, Netanyahu’s record on military victories is ambiguous.

No Clear-Cut War Victories Under Netanyahu

Since first taking office in the late 1990s and then returning for a record-breaking tenure from 2009 onward, Netanyahu has overseen several major conflicts, including multiple Gaza wars (2012, 2014, 2023–present), operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon (2023–2024), and, most recently, military actions in Syria. However, none of these campaigns have resulted in the kind of decisive, widely recognized victory that defined earlier Israeli leaders like David Ben-Gurion (1948), Levi Eshkol (1967), or even Menachem Begin (1978). Most of the wars under Netanyahu ended in ceasefires, ongoing hostilities, or at best, temporary tactical gains. The ongoing war in Gaza, which began after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, remains unresolved, with no clear victory in sight.

Soaring Inflation and Cost of Living

While Netanyahu touts Israel’s economic resilience, ordinary Israelis are feeling the squeeze. Inflation has surged, reaching 3.8% in January 2025-the highest in over a year and above the government’s target range. The cost of living is set to climb even further as new government measures take effect: VAT will rise from 17% to 18%, municipal taxes (arnona) will jump by 5.29%, and national insurance rates are also increasing. For the average family, this means an extra 420 shekels ($116) per month in expenses, with the war’s costs being passed directly to citizens. Experts warn that the government’s budget does little to address deep structural issues, prioritizing coalition interests over economic reforms, and leaving infrastructure and workforce challenges unresolved.

A Legacy Under Scrutiny

Netanyahu’s legacy is thus marked by a paradox: he has kept Israel militarily active but without clear, lasting victories, and while the economy has grown, ordinary Israelis are bearing the brunt of rising costs and economic uncertainty. As public frustration mounts, the question remains whether Netanyahu’s long rule will be remembered for security and prosperity-or for missed opportunities and mounting domestic pressures.