Ehud Barak calls special election for Prime Minister

In 2001, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak faced significant challenges as the Peace Process with the Palestinians was increasingly faltering. In an effort to regain authority and strengthen his position in negotiations, Barak called for a special election for Prime Minister. His strategy was to secure a mandate that would empower him to continue pursuing peace initiatives. However, the election resulted in a surprising defeat for Barak, with opposition leader Ariel Sharon emerging as the new Prime Minister. Sharon's election marked a pivotal shift in Israeli politics, as it reflected the growing disillusionment among the Israeli public regarding the peace process and the Palestinian Authority. Following this election, the system of directly electing the Premier was abandoned, signaling a return to a parliamentary system where the Prime Minister is chosen by the Knesset. The failure of the peace process, coupled with increased Palestinian violence and attacks from Hezbollah, led to a significant loss of confidence in the prospects for peace, reshaping the political landscape in Israel for years to come.