Barak to return to politics

Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak announced his much-anticipated return to politics, saying he will run for the leadership of the Labour Party, a first step towards trying for Israel’s highest office again.

The announcement by Barak, 63, one of Israel’s best-known figures, immediately shook up the race for the top spot in Labour, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s main coalition partner. Labour primaries are set for May.

Barak spent nearly six years in political exile after he was crushed by Ariel Sharon in a 2001 election, following a short and stormy premiership that collapsed after failed efforts at making peace with Syria and the Palestinians.

The former army commando and chief of staff said he would run against the party’s current leader, Defence Minister Amir Peretz, whose popularity has plummeted following Israel’s inconclusive summer war with Hezbollah guerrillas in Lebanon.

Barak has been laying the groundwork for a comeback for months, gaining the support of key members of the party and establishing himself as the early favourite.

The next leader of the Labour Party is also likely to become defence minister. Barak’s military pedigree could give him an advantage as Israel recovers from the war while facing a potential nuclear threat from Iran.

Barak made his announcement in a brief letter to his party yesterday.

“The state of Israel, the army and the security establishment are experiencing a major shake up. I believe that I possess the capabilities and talents necessary to serve as Israel’s next defence minister,” Barak wrote.

In security-conscious Israel, the defence ministry could serve as a springboard to the premiership.

As Israel’s most-decorated soldier, Barak participated in wars and daring commando raids. He retired from the military in 1995 at the end of his term as chief of staff.

Joining the Labour Party, he was quickly appointed to the Cabinet. In 1999, he was elected prime minister, also serving as defence minister. But his term lasted less than two years – the shortest for an elected premier – and he left office under stiff public criticism for his unilateral withdrawal from south Lebanon in 2000 and his offers of far-reaching concessions to the Palestinians and Syrians that failed to result in peace deals.

But political commentator Hanan Crystal said last summer’s war in Lebanon - and the public sentiment that Israel’s military must regain its might – has restored Barak’s political status.

“We need a defence minister, and everyone knows he is more suitable than anyone else,” he said. “He is an authority. There will be a feeling that ’the boss is back’ … no one ever argued about his abilities, but he has other problems.”

One of Barak’s opponents for the top Labour post, Ophir Pines-Paz, questioned that. “I’m not sure we need a military man as defence minister,” he told Israel Radio.

Barak has drawn criticism for his aloof, go-it-alone style, which alienated allies and foes alike. But Crystal said many believed Barak would learn from his past failures.

Barak seemed to acknowledge as much in the letter he sent to the party’s secretary-general.

“It’s possible I became prime minister too early. I’ve made my mistakes, and my inexperience became my stumbling block,” he wrote. “Today I know there are no shortcuts, certainly not in public life, and leadership is a joint burden and not a solo mission.”

Barak will face a tough challenge for the party leadership from Ami Ayalon, another former general and one-time chief of the Shin Bet security service. Ayalon welcomed the challenge, saying Barak candidacy would allow “a clear choice between a return to the way of the past, which we know well, and a different type of politics of honesty, integrity and responsibility”.

Other candidates, including politicians Danny Yatom and Pines-Paz, have announced they are continuing their bids, but are expected to throw their support behind either Barak or Ayalon as the May 24 primaries draw near.

Peretz, whose standing was severely weakened by the Lebanon war, is considered by party insiders as only a long shot to hold on to his position.