Ehud Barak elected Prime Minister of Israel

In July 1999, Ehud Barak of the Labour Party was elected as the Prime Minister of Israel, marking a significant shift in the country's political landscape. His party emerged as the largest in the Knesset, securing 26 seats. Barak's election was seen as a pivotal moment, as he campaigned on a platform of peace and security, promising to address the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His leadership was characterized by efforts to negotiate peace agreements and improve relations with the Palestinian Authority. In a landmark ruling in September 1999, the Supreme Court of Israel declared the use of torture in the interrogation of Palestinian prisoners illegal, a decision that underscored the importance of human rights in the context of national security. This ruling was a significant step towards ensuring the protection of individual rights and set a precedent for future legal considerations in Israel. Barak's tenure was marked by both challenges and opportunities as he navigated the complexities of Israeli politics and the quest for peace in the region.