No. 2: Benjamin Netanyahu: Shaping Israel’s politics and global image for a generation

The Jerusalem Post ranks Benjamin Netanyahu as No. 2 on its 50 Most Influential Jews list, marking his 19th year as prime minister. The article argues his influence on Israel and the Jewish people is extraordinary, shaping the country's politics for a generation. It notes his political streak is in danger as elections approach, but his survival after October 7 is remarkable.

The Jerusalem Post ranks Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as No. 2 on its 50 Most Influential Jews list. The article notes that on September 28, the third day of Sukkot, Netanyahu will mark 19 years as prime minister, meaning he has been in office for 24.2% of Israel's 78.5 years of existence. The piece argues his influence on Israel and the Jewish people has been extraordinary, shaping the country's political era for a generation. It acknowledges his political streak is in danger as Israel heads to elections in a little over a month, with his chances of forming another coalition seemingly receding. At 76, if he fails this time, the possibility of another comeback appears far-fetched. The article highlights his survival after October 7 as remarkable, noting he will serve out the full length of his current term despite being prime minister on the deadliest day in Israel's history. It argues Netanyahu has become more than Israel's prime minister, serving as Israel's symbol and a lightning rod for hatred directed against the Jewish state. The piece dismisses the claim that critics hate only Netanyahu, not Israel, as disingenuous when accompanied by efforts to isolate or sanction the country. The article concludes that influence is measured by impact, and by that standard, no contemporary Jewish figure has left a greater mark.