Benjamin (Bibi) Netanyahu is a larger-than-life figure in Israeli politics. As we have noted, most Israelis either love him or hate him. For better or worse he has risen from defeat repeatedly to reassume the helm of this nation, even with a trial for fraud and breach of trust hanging over his head (which he and his supporters believe to be a hollow persecution that will only prove his innocence). He has served as Israel’s prime minister longer than anyone else (15 years and counting) prompting Israel Today to set out to crystalize several of the biggest lessons from the life, so far, of the man his fans call “Bibi, King of Israel.”

Lesson #1 – The Power of Words

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)

Netanyahu’s meteoric ascent to the height of Israeli power and beyond, was based on his phenomenal ability to speak cogently and persuasively in defense of Israel and Zionism.

He completed his compulsory IDF service as a commander in the elite “Matkal” unit and embarked on an intense stretch of binge-learning at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston, where he studied architecture and business management. Then “out of nowhere” Netanyahu as a young university graduate began eloquently putting to rest Palestinian arguments in public debates (See video). The Israeli Foreign Ministry took note and started paying Bibi around $25 per lecture – a pretty good deal for the money. But Netanyahu did not just make do with his own innate and inherited linguistic and speaking abilities. He sought out the help of experts to increase his effectiveness at communicating.

Neither his IDF reserve duty unit, nor the fields of architecture and business were going to be able to keep their hold on the young man with a slight smirk on his face and an uncanny sense of dramatic cadence in his words, particularly in English. From 1984 to 1988, Netanyahu served as Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, where he spoke persuasively on Israel’s behalf.

Bibi’s grandfather, Rabbi Nathan, was also a widely acclaimed Zionist orator (in Poland and later the USA). Like his grandson, he gave speeches in Hebrew and English.

Take-home Lesson: Not all of us will give stirring speeches before the UN and joint sessions US Congress with dozens of standing ovations, as Bibi has. However, all of us can use our words with more wisdom, to bring life, encouragement and constructive criticism. Each of us should be prepared to give an explanation even for his opinions, and certainly for his faith and hope.

Netanyahu laying it down before the UN General Assembly as only he can. Photo: Amir Levy/Flash90

Lesson #2 – The Ability to Straddle Cultures

Netanyahu’s command of both Hebrew and English language/culture is reminiscent of two ancient Israelites: Moses and Saul of Tarsus. Moses grew up in the elite Egyptian palace culture and language, after being weaned by his Hebrew mother. Saul of Tarsus was also completely bilingual. He wrote a good portion of the New Testament, and that in Greek. Acts 22:2 records how he addressed the distressed crowd in Jerusalem in Hebrew, at which they listened in quiet attention.

Around half of the citizens in Israel today have high level bi-lingual functionality. However this is not the same as having full mother-tongue writing-level command of two languages – which is quite rare even in multi-language countries. Bibi is a fine example. It’s like an ambidextrous star athlete who can score from both sides with equal ease. Although Israeli, Netanyahu spent most of his teen years in the United States. He attended Cheltenham High School just outside of Philadelphia, along with baseball slugger Reggie Jackson, while his father Professor Benzion Netanyahu taught Hebrew literature and Jewish history. In his American high school, Bibi was an outstanding scholar, in addition to being on the debate team, the chess team and the left wing of the soccer team.

Take-home Lesson: You may not know two languages or kick a soccer ball equally well with left and right feet. But you must use and develop the complementary gifts and abilities you do have. Be a good listener AND a good speaker. Learn how to save money AND how to spend it well. Learn to use BOTH compassion AND authority. You fill in the blanks: ______ AND ______.

Netanyahu perfectly at ease speaking in English before the US Congress, with then-Vice President Joe Biden enjoying the spectacle in 2011. Photo: GPO

Lesson #3 – Grooming a Successor

It’s rare to remain a successful leader at the highest national and international levels for decades. And it’s even harder to do so while also grooming a capable successor and setting her or him up for even more success! Thus far Netanyahu has avoided grooming an heir and has fended off all potential rivals seeking to rise up within his own Likud party. Israel’s parliamentary system places NO limitation on how long one person can lead (unlike for example the US system, in which a president can serve only up to 8 years). This means he has had no law coercing him to prepare to give up power, and he has firmly remained at the head of his own party.

So who is Bibi’s “Joshua”?

God instructed Moses to prepare and appoint Joshua as his successor. The Israeli public is still waiting to see if Bibi will ever mentor someone else to replace him. He is the undisputed leader of the moderate right wing of Israeli politics, and appears to like it that way, at least for now.

Already in his mid 70s, Netanyahu can serve at most one more 4 year term before turning 80. His 2022 election campaign seemed to promise it would be his last. Although if he is still at the “top of his game” in 2026 it’s hard to imagine the uncontested master bowing out, even though he will be almost 80 by then and will have been at the helm for an unheard of 19 years! Many Israelis support Bibi’s positions regarding strong national defense, while taking a moderate stance on other issues. A majority, or at least a plurality, of Jewish Israelis support this approach, and hope that someone else can smoothly and ably take over the “reins” from Netanyahu.

Several of Israel’s biggest political stars started out under the direct “tutelage” of Netanyahu – such as Avigdor Liberman, Naftali Bennett and Ayelet Shaked. Each of them made their big start in Bibi’s Likud party, even serving him directly as chief of staff and in similar roles. However, none of these “young geniuses” were groomed as a successor. They ended up leaving Netanyahu’s Likud and becoming heads of rival political parties also on the right wing of Israeli politics. It is still impossible to point to a likely successor to Netanyahu.

The paradox of being a strong leader while empowering someone else to eventually take over has puzzled mankind throughout history. King Saul at first owed his very life to the young shepherd warrior David who killed the taunting enemy Goliath. However, after the Israelite maidens began to sing David’s praises more than his, Saul switched his perception of David from “asset and faithful champion,” to: “threat and contender for the throne.” One hopes Netanyahu will not follow Saul’s lead in ruthlessly opposing successors.

Moses completed his race immeasurably better than Saul. He had this trusty lieutenant named Joshua who had been helping him, leading the military, and spending a lot of time in the Tent of Meeting (Exodus 33:11). Deuteronomy 31:23 tells us how this divinely assisted transfer of power played out.

Take-home Lesson: Focus on the success of the broader group more than your personal success. In some cases, it may be in the best interest of the group/team/organization for a talented leader to remain stably in charge for decades. Ask for divine wisdom, discernment and timing in the process of transferring responsibility and authority. Not too fast and not too slow.

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