Ehud Barak, an Israeli military leader and politician, was born on February 12, 1942, in Mishmar HaSharon, a kibbutz in what was then Mandatory Palestine. He is widely recognized for his significant contributions to Israel's defense and political landscape. Barak's career began in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), where he served for 35 years, rising to the rank of lieutenant general, the IDF's highest rank. During his military service, he participated in numerous key operations, including the Entebbe Raid in 1976, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership and tactical expertise. This mission, officially known as **Operation Entebbe** or **Operation Thunderbolt**, involved rescuing hostages held at Entebbe Airport in Uganda. Barak played a critical role in planning the daring nighttime raid, which resulted in the rescue of 102 hostages after Palestinian and German terrorists had hijacked an Air France flight. The operation also highlighted Barak’s reputation as a brilliant military strategist and enhanced his international recognition.

Barak also participated in the Yom Kippur War and other strategic missions, earning himself a reputation as one of Israel's most decorated soldiers. His service in these critical military operations cemented his legacy as a defender of Israel's security.

Barak transitioned to politics after retiring from the military in 1995. He joined the Labor Party and served in various ministerial roles, including Minister of Internal Affairs and Minister of Foreign Affairs. In 1999, he became the 10th Prime Minister of Israel, succeeding Benjamin Netanyahu. During his tenure as prime minister from 1999 to 2001, Barak focused on advancing peace efforts with Israel's neighbors. He oversaw the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon in 2000 and engaged in negotiations with Palestinian leaders at the Camp David Summit that same year. Although the summit did not yield a final peace agreement, it marked a significant effort in addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

After his tenure as prime minister, Barak temporarily stepped away from politics but returned in 2007 as the leader of the Labor Party. He served as Israel's Minister of Defense from 2007 to 2013, during which he dealt with critical security issues, including the threat from Iran and operations in Gaza. Barak’s later years in politics saw him founding the Independence Party after splitting from the Labor Party in 2011. He eventually retired from political life in 2013 but remained an influential figure in Israeli public discourse, frequently addressing security and political matters.

In addition to his military and political career, Barak has been involved in business and academia. He holds degrees in physics and economics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a Master of Science in engineering-economic systems from Stanford University. Known for his intellectual and strategic acumen, Barak has written extensively on military strategy and Israeli politics.

Ehud Barak's life and career reflect a dedication to Israel's security and efforts toward peace, making him one of the country's most prominent leaders. His involvement in significant events, such as Operation Entebbe, further underscores his legacy as a military strategist and a key figure in Israel's modern history. 

REFERENCE:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ehud_Barak