Ehud Barak announces complete retirement from political life following defeat in Gaza

Israel’s Minister of War, Ehud Barak, has announced his decision to completely retire from politics following accusations by Israeli politicians, parliamentarians and the Hebrew media of defeat during ‘Operation Pillar of Cloud’ – Israel’s most recent military offensive against the Gaza Strip which ended in a truce in favour of the Palestinian Resistance.

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During an urgent press conference held shortly before midday on Monday (26.11), Barak confirmed that he would contest upcoming elections and intends to finally and completely retire from party and political life. He said his decision was based a desire to concentrate full-time on his personal and family life.

Ehud Barak, who currently holds the post of Israeli War Minister, has held several important political and military positions since enrolling for service in the army in 1959. As well as assuming presidency of the tenth Israeli government, he has also held the post of Minister of Interior, Foreign Minister and head of the Labour party.