Did Benjamin Netanyahu Obtain American Citizenship?

There has been extensive misinformation about Benjamin Netanyahu's citizenship status during his time in the U.S. as a private citizen. This article clarifies the facts and dispels persistent myths surrounding Netanyahu’s citizenship and ties to the United States.

The Truth Behind Netanyahu's U.S. Stay

Benjamin Netanyahu did not obtain American citizenship during the 12 years he lived in the U.S. as a private citizen. He moved to the United States in the 1960s, primarily for educational purposes and to work, but he retained his Israeli citizenship throughout that period.

Netanyahu returned to Israel in the 1970s and has since served multiple terms as Prime Minister of Israel. He made the decision to return to his home country and never sought to become a naturalized American citizen.

Myths and Facts

Myth: Was Netanyahu Eligible to Become an American Citizen?

It is widely believed that Netanyahu could have become an American citizen but, in fact, he was ineligible. This misconception arises from a misunderstanding of U.S. immigration laws and the unique situation of his family.

American citizenship laws do not allow diplomats and their families to become naturalized U.S. citizens. When Netanyahu came to the U.S., his father was the Israeli consul in Philadelphia, which made Netanyahu ineligible to become a U.S. citizen under such circumstances.

Myth: Did the Family Ever Attempt U.S. Citizenship?

Some have speculated that Netanyahu's family attempted to become U.S. citizens, but records clearly show that they were only permanent residents. They never considered becoming Americans because their intention was to return to Israel permanently.

Historically, it is common for foreign nationals who have resided in the U.S. for extended periods and then return to their home countries to not become U.S. citizens. The majority do not choose to pursue citizenship due to a lack of other family ties in the U.S.

Myth: Was Netanyahu Required to Renounce U.S. Citizenship?

Under federal law, any American who officially served a foreign country had to renounce her or his U.S. citizenship. Former U.S. diplomat Ron Dermer, who served as Israel’s economic attaché in Washington, shared his experience with me.

Dermer assured me that Netanyahu had indeed gone through the process of renouncing his U.S. citizenship twice. The first time was as a commando in the IDF, and the second time when he served as deputy chief of mission in the U.S. Netanyahu has confirmed that he underwent this process, reassuring everyone of his commitment to Israeli citizenship.

- From "Ally" by Michael Oren

Conclusion

To summarize, Benjamin Netanyahu did not obtain American citizenship during his 12 years in the U.S. The claims and speculations about his eligibility and attempts to become a U.S. citizen are inaccurate. His return to Israel and his subsequent roles as a leader in Israel further solidify his identity and allegiance to that country.

For those interested in accurate information regarding Netanyahu's citizenship status, it is important to rely on factual data and verified records, rather than spreading misinformation.