Netanyahu Defeats Peres to Become Israel's Prime Minister
Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu narrowly wins election on security platform, promising to slow peace process and expand settlements.
Benjamin Netanyahu narrowly defeated Shimon Peres to become Israel’s youngest prime minister, winning 50.5% to 49.5% in the country’s first direct election for the position. The Likud leader’s victory represents a rightward shift that could fundamentally alter the Middle East peace process.
Netanyahu, 46, campaigned on a platform of “peace with security,” capitalizing on Israeli fears following the wave of Hamas suicide bombings that killed 59 people in February and March. His campaign slogan “Netanyahu is good for the Jews” resonated with voters who felt Peres was making too many concessions to Palestinians.
The new prime minister has promised to honor existing agreements but opposes further territorial withdrawals, Palestinian statehood, and any compromise on Jerusalem. He supports expanding Jewish settlements and maintaining Israeli control over most of the West Bank.
“We will negotiate peace, but we will not run after peace,” Netanyahu declared in his victory speech. “We expect reciprocity from the Palestinians - they must fight terrorism and honor their commitments.”
Palestinian leaders expressed deep concern about the election results. Yasser Arafat called for continued dialogue but warned that abandoning the peace process would lead to “disaster for the entire region.”
Netanyahu’s victory, coming just seven months after Rabin’s assassination, effectively ends the Oslo era of territorial compromise. His election reflects Israeli society’s rightward turn following Palestinian violence, setting the stage for increased confrontation with the Palestinians and tension with the international community.