Benjamin Netanyahu is called "Bibi" as a childhood family nickname that originated when a younger relative repeatedly called out "Bi! Bi!" looking for Benjamin. The sound morphed into "Bibi," which stuck as an affectionate and familiar diminutive of his first name. This nickname is very natural in Hebrew culture and has become a widely recognized shorthand for Netanyahu in both Israeli society and international media. It is not an acronym or related to any ideology—just a personal and longstanding family nickname that gained cultural and political significance over time.