Israel picks a military hero to lead it toward peace

Barak addresses the Knesset (parliament) on July 6, his first day as prime minister: "The supreme goal will be to bring peace to the Israeli people."

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(CNN) -- Politics is a dirty word in Israel. Debates in the Knesset often dissolve into shouting matches, and representatives of the various factions must work hard to make themselves heard.

So the election of military hero Ehud Barak as prime minister on May 17 was seen by many as a sign Israelis were weary of politics as usual.

Barak, Israel's most decorated soldier, was to the Israeli citizens who voted for him an obvious alternative to Benjamin Netanyahu, the incumbent.

Netanyahu's administration was tainted by allegations of corruption. His opposition to much of the Middle East peace process and subsequent foot-dragging on essential issues were blamed for a rise in Arab-Israeli violence.

By contrast, Barak began making overtures to Israel's neighbors as soon as he was sworn in.

"I call on all regional leaders to take our outstretched hand and to make a peace of the brave in the area," he said.

Arab leaders praised Barak's strong showing in the elections and his willingness to pick up the pace of the peace process.

The violence continues, however, as hard-line Arabs attempt to disrupt any attempts to bring peace to the region. Israel has also been quick to respond militarily to any perceived external threats.

Barak now finds himself having to walk the same political tightrope as Netanyahu and his predecessors to keep his coalition government intact and viable.

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