How to Pronounce Ehud Barak

Meaning and Context

Ehud Barak, born Ehud Brog on February 12, 1942, is a pivotal figure in modern Israeli history, renowned for his dual legacy as a decorated military leader and a consequential, albeit short-lived, Prime Minister. As the Israel Defense Forces' most decorated soldier, his military career culminated in his appointment as the tenth Chief of General Staff from 1991 to 1995. Transitioning to politics with the Labor Party, Barak was elected Prime Minister in 1999, defeating incumbent Benjamin Netanyahu. His tenure from 1999 to 2001 was dominated by intense diplomatic efforts, most notably the failed 2000 Camp David Summit with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and the subsequent withdrawal of Israeli forces from Southern Lebanon. After a long hiatus, he returned to government as Minister of Defense under Prime Ministers Ehud Olmert and Benjamin Netanyahu from 2007 to 2013, playing a critical role during Operation Cast Lead in Gaza. His career embodies the complex intersection of Israeli security doctrine, peace negotiations, and domestic politics, making him a central subject in analyses of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Middle East peace processes, and the evolution of the Israeli Labor Party.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary spelling, Ehud Barak, is consistent and standard in English transliteration from Hebrew (אֵהוּד בָּרָק). However, occasional variations arise due to phonetic spelling or differing transliteration systems. The most common alternate spelling is Ehud Barac, substituting a 'c' for the 'k', though this is less frequent. A notable point of confusion involves his birth name; he was born Ehud Brog (sometimes spelled Brogue), changing his surname to the Hebrew word for "lightning" (Barak) later in life. Common typos include simple misspellings like Ehud Barrak (with a double 'r'), Ehud Barack (erroneously invoking the former U.S. President), or Ehud Barak (missing the 'h'). In Hebrew, the name is unambiguous, but English-language writers should ensure the correct, singular 'r' and 'k' ending to maintain accuracy, especially in academic or historical contexts discussing Israeli prime ministers or defense ministers.

Example Sentences

Despite the ultimate collapse of talks, many analysts credit Ehud Barak with presenting the most far-reaching territorial concessions to the Palestinians at the 2000 Camp David Summit.

Appointed Minister of Defense for a second time in 2007, Barak oversaw a major military campaign in the Gaza Strip aimed at halting rocket fire.

In his memoir, Barak reflects candidly on the difficult decisions made during his service as both Prime Minister and Chief of Staff.

Critics often argue that Ehud Barak's direct and sometimes abrasive political style contributed to the fragility of his governing coalition.

Following his retirement from political life, Barak has remained an active and occasionally controversial commentator on Israeli national security issues.

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