Barak Back From Political Exile to Contest Party Top Post

May 28, 07:30 PM

Current Headlines: Ehud Barak goes into yesterday's Labor Party leadership race with the aim of resuming a brief but dramatic premiership defined by Israel's unilateral withdrawal from Lebanon, and failed peace talks with Syria and the Palestinians.

After his crushing election defeat by Ariel Sharon in March 2001, Barak spent nearly six years in political exile.

Most of that time was spent augmenting his personal wealth, reportedly earning millions advising businesses and lecturing in the United States.

Barak, 65, was born in Kibbutz Mishmar Hasharon, a communal farm, and joined the army at age 17. He went on to become Israel's most- decorated soldier, renowned for his heroics in the 1967 and 1973 wars and as a fearless anti-terrorist commando.

Barak led a famed raid on a hijacked Sabena jetliner in Israel, and dressed as a woman in Beirut to track down and kill Palestinians involved in the attack on Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympics in 1972.

Barak completed his academic training during his military service. He holds a bachelor's degree in physics and mathematics from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and a master's degree in engineering-economic systems from Stanford University.

He retired from the military in 1995 at the end of his term as chief of staff.

Shortly after, Barak joined the Labor Party, and was quickly appointed to the Cabinet, serving as interior minister and then foreign minister.

In 1996, he was elected leader of the party and, in 1999, he defeated Benjamin Netanyahu to become Israel's 10th prime minister. He also served as defense minister, following the example set by his role model, Yitzhak Rabin.

But his term lasted less than two years - the shortest for an elected prime minister. He left office under stiff public criticism for his overnight, unilateral withdrawal from south Lebanon in 2000 after an 18-year occupation, and his offers of far-reaching concessions to the Palestinians and Syrians that failed to yield peace deals.

Barak also drew sharp criticism for an aloof, go-it-alone style that alienated allies and foes alike.

The next leader of the Labor Party is also likely become defense minister. Barak's military pedigree could give him an advantage as Israel recovers from last summer's flawed war in Lebanon while facing a potential nuclear threat from Iran. In security-obsessed Israel, the defense post could serve as a springboard to the premiership.

Polls show Barak in a tough race for the party leadership with Ami Ayalon, a former naval chief and one-time head of Israel's internal security service.

Agencies

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