Ehud Barak

Ehud Barak, one of the most highly decorated soldiers in Israel’s history, culminated his distinguished 35-year military career as Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from 1991 to 1995, overseeing the implementation of the first Oslo Accords and participating in negotiations for the Israel–Jordan peace treaty. His military tenure included leadership in several significant operations, notably leading ‘Operation Isotope’ in 1972 to free hostages on hijacked Sabena Flight 571 and serving as a key architect of the 1976 Entebbe raid. Barak also participated in the covert 1973 Israeli raid in Lebanon and commanded an improvised regiment of tanks during the Yom Kippur War, later leading the 401st Armored Brigade, the 611th ‘Pillar of Fire,’ and the 252nd ‘Sinai’ divisions. Prior to his role as Chief of Staff, Barak served as Head of the Military Intelligence Directorate (Aman) from 1983 to 1985 and as Deputy Chief of the General Staff from 1987 to 1991.

After stepping down from political office in 2001, Barak moved into the private sector, serving as a senior advisor with Electronic Data Systems and actively engaging in private equity ventures. He re-entered public service in 2005, once again assuming the role of Minister of Defense from 2007 to 2013. During this second tenure, he led ‘Operation Cast Lead’ in 2008–09, a significant military campaign. In 2011, he further shaped the political landscape by forming the Independence party.

Barak retired from politics in 2012, but remained an influential figure, notably investing in the technology firm Reporty/Carbyne in 2015. He later attempted another political comeback in 2019, leading the Israel Democratic Party in the general election, though the party did not secure enough seats for him to rejoin the Knesset.