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.