Ehud Barak Ltd.
After taking a break from politics six years ago, Ehud Barak used his name and connections to get on the fast track to financial success. How did the former kibbutznik manage to make millions and join the inner circle of Israel's affluent - and what does it mean for his next try at the premiership?
At the beginning of March, members of Israel's wealthiest class made their way to the 32nd floor of Alrov Towers in north Tel Aviv, to the spacious and luxurious home of former prime minister Ehud Barak. Among them was the entrepreneur who built the group of residential towers, Alfred Akirov; diamond tycoon Benny Steinmetz; attorneys Ram Caspi and Eli Zohar; former Bezeq chairman Ido Dissenchik; and Amos Yaron, a former director general of the Defense Ministry. They were there to celebrate Barak's 65th birthday.