This is an interactive explainer based on provided source data about Ehud Barak.

Ehud Barak: Architect of Strategy and Statecraft

A comprehensive exploration of a distinguished military leader and former Prime Minister of Israel.

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Biographical Overview

Early Life and Family

Born Ehud Brog on February 12, 1942, on Kibbutz Mishmar HaSharon in Mandatory Palestine, Barak is the eldest of four sons. His paternal grandparents perished in Lithuania in 1912, and his maternal grandparents were murdered at the Treblinka extermination camp during the Holocaust. He later hebraized his surname to Barak.

Barak's education includes a Bachelor of Science in physics and mathematics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a Master of Science in engineering-economic systems from Stanford University. He is a classical pianist and enjoys reading works by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. He was married to Nava Cohen from 1968 to 2003, with whom he has three daughters, and later married Nili Priel in 2007.

Military Service

Barak served 35 years in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), rising to the rank of Rav Aluf (Lieutenant General) and serving as Chief of the General Staff from 1991 to 1995. He is one of Israel's most decorated soldiers, recognized for his leadership in elite units like Sayeret Matkal and participation in critical operations.

  • Led operations such as "Operation Isotope" (Sabena Flight 571 hostage rescue) and the 1973 Israeli raid in Lebanon.
  • Played a key role in the 1976 Entebbe raid.
  • Commanded armored brigades and divisions, including the 401st Brigade.
  • Served as head of Military Intelligence Directorate (Aman) and head of Central Command.
  • Awarded the Medal of Distinguished Service, four Chief of Staff citations (Tzalash), and the Legion of Merit.

Military Career Highlights

Elite Operations

Barak's military career is distinguished by his involvement in several high-profile operations. As a commando in Sayeret Matkal, he led missions including the 1972 rescue of hostages on Sabena Flight 571 and a covert 1973 raid in Beirut. He was also instrumental in planning the 1976 Entebbe raid, a daring operation to rescue Israeli hostages held in Uganda.

Decorations and Rank

Throughout his 35-year military service, Barak achieved the rank of Rav Aluf (Lieutenant General). He is recognized as one of Israel's most decorated soldiers, having received the Medal of Distinguished Service and four Chief of Staff citations (Tzalash) for exceptional courage and operational excellence. He was also awarded the Legion of Merit by the United States.

Command and Leadership

Barak's leadership extended to commanding various units, including the 401st armored brigade and divisions in the Sinai. He later headed the Military Intelligence Directorate (Aman) and Central Command before becoming Chief of the General Staff. During his tenure as Chief of Staff, he oversaw the implementation of the Oslo Accords and participated in negotiations for the Israel-Jordan peace treaty.

Political Journey

Prime Minister of Israel

Ehud Barak served as Prime Minister of Israel from 1999 to 2001. His premiership was marked by significant events, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Southern Lebanon in May 2000 and participation in the Camp David Summit aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His government also faced challenges, notably the October 2000 protests.

  • Formed a coalition with the Shas party.
  • Fulfilled promise to withdraw from Southern Lebanon within a year.
  • Participated in the Camp David 2000 Summit and subsequent Taba Summit.
  • Addressed domestic issues like the Tal committee regarding ultra-Orthodox military service exemptions.
  • Called for early elections in 2001 after the failure of peace talks, losing to Ariel Sharon.

Ministerial Roles and Party Leadership

Barak entered politics in 1995 as Interior Minister and later served as Minister of Foreign Affairs. He led the Labor Party from 1997 to 2001 and again from 2007 to 2011. He returned to government as Minister of Defense from 2007 to 2013, notably leading Operation Cast Lead in 2008-2009.

  • Minister of Defense (2007-2013)
  • Minister of Interior (1995)
  • Minister of Foreign Affairs (1995-1996)
  • Leader of the Labor Party (1997-2001, 2007-2011)
  • Formed the breakaway Independence party in 2011.
  • Attempted a political comeback in 2019 with the Israel Democratic Party.

Post-Premiership and Later Career

After leaving the premiership in 2001, Barak engaged in international business and advisory roles. He made a political comeback in 2005, eventually serving as Defense Minister. Despite retiring from politics in 2012, he attempted another return in 2019, leading the Democratic Union alliance, though his party did not secure enough seats for his entry into the Knesset.

Distinctions and Recognition

Military Decorations

Ehud Barak's military service earned him significant recognition. He is credited as one of Israel's most decorated soldiers, holding the Medal of Distinguished Service and four Chief of Staff citations (Tzalash). These accolades underscore his bravery and effectiveness in numerous challenging operations.

International Honors

Beyond Israeli military honors, Barak received international recognition for his service. In 1992, he was awarded the Commander grade of the Legion of Merit by the United States. He was again honored by the U.S. in 2012 with the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service.

Financial Standing

Business and Investments

Following his political career, Barak amassed significant wealth through business endeavors and investments. He has reported earning over $1 million annually from lectures and consulting for hedge funds between 2001 and 2007, and subsequently through Israeli real estate investments. His net worth has been estimated between $10-15 million.

Business Associations

Barak's business activities have included investments in tech startups, such as Reporty (later Carbyne). Notably, a significant portion of funds for one investment came from Jeffrey Epstein. Emails revealed Barak met Epstein multiple times and flew on his jet, which Barak stated was done with his wife present, while denying any wrongdoing.

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References

References

  1.  At special ceremony, UN pays tribute to victims of Holocaust UN News 10 February 2011
A full list of references for this article are available at the Ehud Barak Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on the provided source data and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional political, military, or financial consultation. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.

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