Israel’s ‘Magician’ Netanyahu returns to PM post

Diplomat-turned politician Benjamin Netanyahu has returned to Israel's most powerful post at the head of a largely right-wing government.

Diplomat-turned politician Benjamin Netanyahu has returned to Israel’s most powerful post at the head of a largely right-wing government just three years after he led Likud party to its worst electoral defeat.

Netanyahu,once known as the “magician” for his ability to outwit his political rivals,seems to have left behind the humiliation of the 2006 defeat in which his party managed to win only 12 seats the lowest since its creation.

Known for his opposition to two-state solution of the Palestinian problem and tough stand against Iran,the 59-year-old leader resigned as Finance Minister in 2005 over Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu,a former commando captain in the Israeli army,served as foreign minister in Likud government led by arch-rival Ariel Sharon during 2002-03.

In 1996,Netanyahu became Israel’s youngest prime minister at the age of 45 after defeating Nobel Peace laureate and current President Shimon Peres in a direct election.

Former Ambassador to UN,the Likud leader has pledged during his election campaign to topple Hamas,calling the Islamist movement ruling Gaza Strip “an Iranian proxy.”