Until recently, Ehud Barak served as Israel's 10th Prime Minister. During his tenure, Prime Minister Barak lead Israel out of prolonged recession into an economic boom, with 5.9% annual growth, record foreign investments, near zero inflation, a deficit cut by half, and significantly reduced external debt.

The core of the Barak government's effort was devoted to the peace process. In May 2000 Prime Minister Barak ordered the withdrawal of the Israeli Defense Forces from South Lebanon, ending 18 tragic and bloody years of Israel's presence. , With the active participation of President Bill Clinton and his administration, Barak led far-reaching efforts to negotiate peace agreements, first with Syria and later with the Palestinian authority. Regrettably, these negotiations did not result in the breakthrough necessary to conclude final agreements.

Before being elected Prime Minister, Barak completed an illustrious 36-year career in the Israeli Defense Forces as the most decorated soldier in its history. He was the key architect of the June 1996 Entebbe Operation for the rescue of passengers on the Air France aircraft hijacked by terrorists and forced to land at the Entebbe Airport in Uganda.

Additionally, he served as Chief of the General Staff of the IDF where he was involved in the negotiation and implementation of the 1994 Peace Treaty with Jordan. This was an especially meaningful event for Barak in light of his warm relationship with King Hussein. He also served his country as Minister of the Interior, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense Minister.