Barak, Ehud

Israeli Labour politician, prime minister 1999–2001, former chief of staff of the Israeli army, and the most decorated soldier in the nation's history. As prime minister, Barak formed a government consisting of seven parties of differing political views, the ‘One Israel’ alliance. He often faced difficulties in keeping the coalition alive, as he depended on the support of three ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties. His campaign emphasized progress in the Middle East peace process, and he withdrew Israeli forces from Lebanon, the Golan Heights (Syria), and much of the West Bank. Talks stalled in May 2000 over the future of Jerusalem and violence from October led to Barak's resignation in December and subsequent defeat by Ariel Sharon in prime ministerial elections in February 2001 and resignation as Labour leader.

Following an illustrious 36-year military career, he began his political career in 1995, as interior minister in Yitzhak Rabin's government. After the assassination of Rabin in November 1995, Barak became foreign minister under Shimon Peres. In May 1996, Barak was elected to the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, and was a member of the defence and foreign affairs committee.

With his party in opposition, he was elected Labour Party chairman in June 1997, defeating Peres. He established the ‘One Israel’ alliance, partnering Labour with opposition parties Gesher and Meimad, which, with 76 seats at the May 1999 general election, became the largest faction in the Knesset. He was then elected prime minister. Although respected for the inventiveness and bravery that marked his military background, he was considered something of a political novice.