BICOM

Senior figures in Israel’s political and security establishment last night attended an event to mark the end of Ehud Barak’s six-year tenure as the country’s Defence Minister.

Having served in the post over a period spanning the administrations of both Ehud Olmert and Benjamin Netanyahu, Barak becomes Israel’s third longest-serving Defence Minister. During his time in office, Barak oversaw Operation Cast Lead at the turn of 2009 and Operation Pillar of Defence last November, which both sought to cease rocket fire from the Gaza Strip on Israel’s population centres. Barak’s term at the Defence Ministry also included the controversial Harpaz Affair, which highlighted his problematic relationship with then IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi.

Speaking at yesterday’s event, Barak said “I conclude with great satisfaction in what we did… with the recognition that the steering wheel is being held by strong, trustworthy and confident hands.” He predicted, “The Middle East will continue to be a difficult environment,” highlighting that “Hezbollah will continue to gain strength, Hamas will continue to conspire… and Iran will be in the background.” Barak said he was sure that Israel’s security “will be in good hands.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Barak “a man who is deeply committed to the future of Israel.” The two served together in an elite commando unit. Barak went on to defeat Netanyahu to become Prime Minister in 1999. Looking towards the future, Netanyahu said, “This will be a decisive year for the security of Israel and its citizens,” adding confidently “Just as I do not underestimate the danger, I also do not underestimate our ability to deal with it.”

71-year-old Barak has not announced specific plans for the future, but recently told CNN that he would leave political life “for at least five years.”