An overview of the first 50 years, period by period. Link Center Hot links to other election sites and resources. Prime minister since 1996.
Favors progress in the peace process, but only through extremely tough bargaining.
Populist on social issues. Popular with the masses. Accused of not being a man of his word. Has managed to alienate the old Likud elites and several senior members of his government and party. Took several highly controversial political decisions as prime minister.