So, you’re looking to find out who is holding the reins in Jerusalem right now. Honestly, if you haven’t checked the news in a few years, the answer might feel like a bit of déjà vu. Benjamin Netanyahu is the current Prime Minister of Israel.
He’s back. Again.
As of January 2026, Netanyahu—often called "Bibi" by both his die-hard fans and his fiercest critics—is serving his third distinct stint in the office. He’s basically the ultimate political survivor. You might remember he was out for a bit around 2021 when a wild "anybody-but-Bibi" coalition took over, but that didn't last. By December 2022, he had clawed his way back into power, and he hasn't let go since.
Who is current prime minister of Israel and how did he get back?
It wasn't exactly a smooth ride. Netanyahu’s current government is widely considered the most right-wing in Israel’s history. To get the numbers he needed in the Knesset (that’s Israel’s parliament), he had to team up with some pretty intense ultra-nationalist and religious parties. Think names like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
Why does this matter? Well, it’s changed the vibe of the country significantly. For a long time, the big question wasn't just "who is current prime minister of Israel," but "what is he doing to the courts?" Before the October 7 attacks and the subsequent wars, the country was practically tearing itself apart over judicial reforms. People were out in the streets by the hundreds of thousands.
Then, everything changed.
The War and the Survival Act
When the Hamas attacks happened in 2023, many people thought Netanyahu was finished. Usually, a massive security failure like that ends a political career. But Bibi is different. He leaned into the role of a "war prime minister."
Even now, in early 2026, the regional landscape is messy. You've got the aftermath of the Gaza war, the 2024 invasion of Lebanon to push back Hezbollah, and the massive shifts following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria late in 2024. Most recently, the 2025 strikes on Iran have kept the region on edge. Through all of this, Netanyahu has positioned himself as the only person tough enough to navigate the chaos.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Power
A lot of folks think the Prime Minister of Israel is like a U.S. President. It’s not. It’s much more fragile. He doesn't have a fixed term in the same way; he serves as long as he can keep his coalition together. If one small party with four seats decides they're unhappy and walks away, the whole government can collapse.
Netanyahu is a master at this "political Lego." He keeps his partners happy by giving them what they want—whether that’s funding for religious schools or support for settlements in the West Bank—just to stay in the chair.
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- Longest Serving: He has served over 18 years in total. That’s more than David Ben-Gurion, the country’s founding father.
- Legal Battles: He’s still dealing with ongoing trials for bribery and fraud. It’s wild, but in Israel, you can be under indictment and still be the PM.
- The Trump Factor: He just met with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in December 2025. Their relationship is a huge pillar of his current strategy, especially as he looks toward the next Israeli election.
Why the 2026 Election is the Next Big Hurdle
Technically, Israel is supposed to have elections by October 2026. But if you know anything about Israeli politics, you know they rarely wait that long. There’s already talk about an early election.
Netanyahu recently said he’s going to run again. Some polls suggest his Likud party is regaining strength, especially after the strikes against Iran's nuclear program, which were pretty popular at home. Others say the country is just exhausted and wants a fresh face, like Yair Lapid or Benny Gantz.
Is there anyone else? There’s always a "successor" in the wings, but they usually end up in the opposition. Right now, the opposition is a bit fragmented. They agree they don't like Bibi, but they don't agree on much else. That’s exactly how Netanyahu likes it.
The Actionable Reality
If you’re following this for business, travel, or just general knowledge, here’s what you need to keep in mind for the rest of 2026:
Watch the Coalition: Keep an eye on the ultra-Orthodox parties. If they fight with Netanyahu over military conscription (a huge, heated issue right now), the government could fall by summertime.
The "Day After" Plan: There is still no clear consensus on who will run Gaza or how the border with Lebanon will be secured long-term. Netanyahu’s refusal to support a Palestinian state is a massive friction point with the U.S. and the UN.
Security Alerts: If you’re planning to travel to the region, remember that "who is current prime minister of Israel" dictates the security posture. Under Netanyahu, it’s a policy of "maximum pressure." Expect tight security and potential disruptions if tensions with Iran flare up again.
To stay truly informed, don't just look at the headlines. Check the "Knesset Channel" or English-language Israeli outlets like The Times of Israel or Haaretz to see the actual floor debates. That’s where the real power plays happen.