AP News, January 7th, 2007
Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak announced his political comeback on Sunday, saying he will run for the leadership of the Labor Party in a first step toward a possible bid at regaining the country's top office.
Dana Zaidman, a spokeswoman for Barak, said Barak had informed the Labor Party's secretary-general that he would run in a May 24 primary election against the party's current embattled leader, Defense Minister Amir Peretz.
The announcement marks Barak's return to politics after a nearly six-year hiatus since he was crushed by Ariel Sharon in 2001 elections. The former army commando and chief of staff has been laying the groundwork for the comeback for months, gaining the support of key party members.
The next leader of the Labor party will also likely take up the position of defense minister in Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's coalition government. Barak's military pedigree could give him a step up on the competition as Israel recovers from its inconclusive summer war with Hezbollah guerrillas in Lebanon.
"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 defense minister," he wrote in a letter.
Barak's main challenger for party leader will likely be Ami Ayalon, another former general and one-time chief of the Shin Bet security service. Peretz, whose standing was weakened by the Lebanon war, is considered by party insiders as a long shot to hold on to his position.
