List of Prime Ministers of Israel: Check Names & Years

List of Prime Ministers of Israel: Israel is a country in the Middle East, which is located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It has a diverse population and has a significant historical and religious importance for Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Israel also has a parliamentary system of government and a technologically advanced economy.

The Prime Minister of Israel is the head of government and the country's chief executive, while the president serves as head of state, primarily performing constitutional and ceremonial functions. 

The prime minister of Israel leads the government and is responsible for implementing its policies. Beit Aghion, located in Jerusalem, is the prime minister's official residence.

Israel's prime minister is not elected directly by the public. Instead, voters elect members of the Knesset, Israel's 120-member parliament. 

In the election, the president consults political parties and entrusts a member of the Knesset with forming a government. 

The nominee must assemble a coalition capable of winning the Knesset's confidence. The initial period for forming a government is 28 days, with a possible extension; subsequent procedures allow other candidates an opportunity if the first nominee fails.

As of 27 October 2026, Israel is holding a national parliamentary election. Benjamin Netanyahu remains the incumbent prime minister while the election outcome and subsequent government-formation process are pending.

Who is the Current Prime Minister of Israel?

Benjamin Netanyahu is the incumbent prime minister of Israel as of 27 October 2026. He is the leader of the Likud party and has served multiple terms, making him the longest-serving prime minister in Israeli history.

Netanyahu first became prime minister in 1996 and served until 1999. He returned to office in 2009 and remained prime minister until June 2021. After a period out of office, he returned for another term on 29 December 2022.

His political career has focused heavily on national security, Iran's regional influence, Israel's international relationships and economic policy. His governments have also pursued policies concerning Israeli settlements in the West Bank, an issue that remains highly controversial internationally.

List of Israel's Prime Ministers (1948-2026)

Interesting Facts About Israel's Prime Ministers

• Israel has had 13 individuals serve as PM of Israel. Many served non-consecutive terms. 
• One man has served only as an interim PM, but he is usually not included in the tally.
• The PM of Israel from 1977 to 1983 was Menachem Begin. 
• PM Begin signed a peace treaty with Egypt in 1979, for which he won the Nobel Peace Prize with the Egyptian president.
• The longest-serving PM of Israel is Benjamin Netanyahu. 
• He served his first term in the 1990s and his later terms in the 2010s. In sum, he has served 15 years as PM.

List of Nepal Prime Ministers (1951-2026)