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| Benny Begin | |
|---|---|
| Name | Benny Begin |
| Office | Member of the Knesset |
| Term start | 1988 |
| Term end | 1999 |
| Term start2 | 2009 |
| Term end2 | 2019 |
| Birth date | 1943-03-01 |
| Birth place | Jerusalem, Mandatory Palestine |
| Party | Likud |
| Alma mater | Hebrew University of Jerusalem |
Benny Begin is an Israeli geologist, politician and long-serving member of the Knesset known for his roles in Likud governments and for positions on West Bank settlement policy, peace negotiations and energy strategy. He is the son of former Prime Minister Menachem Begin and has held ministerial portfolios including Science and Technology and Minister of Jerusalem Affairs. Begin combined a scientific background with parliamentary activity, influencing Israeli policy debates on security, settlements and natural resources.
Begin was born in Jerusalem in 1943 into a family prominent in Zionist movement and Revisionist Zionism. He grew up during the period of the British Mandate for Palestine and the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, experiencing social and political milieus linked to leaders such as Menachem Begin, Yitzhak Shamir and figures of the Irgun. Begin studied geology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and later pursued postgraduate work in geology and environmental sciences, associating with institutions like the Geological Survey of Israel and collaborating with academic centers in United States and France during his scientific training.
Begin served in the Israel Defense Forces during a period that included service linked to units operating in Sinai Peninsula and Golan Heights contexts. As a geologist he worked on mineral exploration, groundwater research and environmental assessments, contributing to projects related to the Dead Sea and Negev development. He held research posts and lectured at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and cooperated with entities such as the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and the Weizmann Institute of Science on studies of Israeli natural resources and renewable energy options. His scientific publications intersected with policy debates involving the Ministry of National Infrastructure and the Israel Energy Forum.
Begin entered elective politics with Likud and was first elected to the Knesset in the late 1980s, participating in Knesset committees including those on Finance, Foreign Affairs and Defense and science-related panels. During his parliamentary tenure he engaged with leaders such as Yitzhak Rabin, Ariel Sharon, Benjamin Netanyahu and Ehud Olmert on national security and territorial issues. Begin's parliamentary interventions addressed controversies tied to the Oslo Accords, the Camp David 2000 aftermath, and negotiations involving the Palestine Liberation Organization and Jordanian accords.
Begin served as Minister of Science and Technology and held responsibilities linked to municipal portfolios such as Minister of Jerusalem Affairs. In these capacities he advocated policies regarding research funding tied to centers like the Weizmann Institute of Science and infrastructure projects affecting East Jerusalem and Israeli municipal planning. On security and territorial policy, Begin supported positions affecting West Bank settlements and was associated with arguments invoking historical claims tied to Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria and legal interpretations referencing the League of Nations Mandate for Palestine. He also addressed energy and water strategies, promoting exploration in regions such as the Negev desert and collaboration with organizations like the Natural Gas Authority (Israel) and companies operating in the Leviathan gas field.
Begin was a prominent figure within Likud factions and at times led or joined splinter lists and initiatives that reflected disagreements with party leadership. He participated in leadership contests and was involved in internal disputes with figures such as Benjamin Netanyahu and Avigdor Lieberman over direction, coalition strategy and settlement policy. Begin briefly departed from the mainstream Likud bloc to form or support breakaway groups during political realignments that also involved politicians like Moshe Arens and Yitzhak Shamir alumni, later returning to Likud parliamentary activity to influence candidate lists, Knesset coalitions and ministerial allocations during periods of government formation with parties such as National Union and Yisrael Beiteinu.
Begin is the son of Menachem Begin, leader of Herut and a key figure in the Likud founding period, and of Aliza Begin. His family background connects to activists of the Irgun and to legal and political networks in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. He has managed a private life with ties to academic circles at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and research institutions, and his relatives include public figures engaged in Israeli cultural and political life such as associates of Zionist Revisionism and participants in commemorative institutions like the Menachem Begin Heritage Center.
Category:Israeli politicians Category:Members of the Knesset