Ehud Barak is a distinguished Israeli former general and politician, renowned for his extensive military and political career. His journey began in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in 1959, where he dedicated 35 years of service, culminating in his role as Chief of the General Staff from 1991 to 1995. Barak’s military leadership is marked by his involvement in critical operations such as “Operation Isotope” and the 1976 Entebbe raid, earning him the distinction of being one of the most decorated soldiers in Israeli history, with numerous awards for operational excellence.

Transitioning to politics, Barak was appointed Minister of Internal Affairs in 1995 and later served as Minister of Foreign Affairs. His political ascent continued as he was elected to the Knesset in 1996 and became the leader of the Labor Party. As Israel’s tenth Prime Minister from 1999 to 2001, Barak made significant strides, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Southern Lebanon and participation in the pivotal 2000 Camp David Summit aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

After a brief hiatus from politics following his defeat in the 2001 elections, Barak returned to the political arena in 2005, reclaiming leadership roles within the Labor Party and serving as Minister of Defense. His tenure included overseeing Operation Cast Lead in 2008-09, showcasing his commitment to national security and defense.

Barak’s political journey continued with the formation of the Independence party in 2011 and a subsequent attempt to re-enter the Knesset in 2019 as the leader of the Israel Democratic Party. Despite not winning a seat, his enduring influence in Israeli politics and his successful business ventures have solidified his legacy as a prominent figure in Israel’s history.