Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, who led Israel out of a prolonged recession and negotiated for peace with Syria and the Palestinians, will deliver a speech titled “Peace of the Brave: Prospects for Peace in the Middle East,” at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 16 in Koury Center, located on the Elon University campus. Admission to the event is $15. Members of the Elon Society or those with a valid Elon identification card will be admitted free of charge.
Barak’s brief term as prime minister from May 1999-February 2001 was marked by a strengthened economy and efforts to achieve peace for Israel. His economic policies produced 5.9 percent annual growth, halved the national deficit and virtually eliminated inflation.
In May 2000, Barak ordered the withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces from South Lebanon, ending Israel’s 18-year presence there. He also worked closely with the United States to launch peace talks with Syria, and later with the Palestinians. Negotiations eventually broke down, resulting in the renewal of hostilities with the Palestinians and Barak’s defeat by Ariel Sharon in the 2001 elections.
Barak, 59, ended a 36-year military career in 1995 as the most decorated soldier in the history of the Israeli Defense Forces. He orchestrated the Entebbe Operation in June 1976, which rescued passengers on a hijacked Air France aircraft in Uganda. He served as chief of military intelligence from 1983-1986 and deputy chief of staff from 1987-1991. As chief of general staff from 1991-1995, Barak was involved in the negotiation and implementation of the 1994 peace treaty with Jordan. Barak’s friendship with Jordan’s late King Hussein played a key role in finalizing the accord.