Pronunciation: [ˈɛhʌd bˈaɹak] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the former Israeli Prime Minister and Defense Minister's name is Ehud Barak. The phonetic transcription of this name is /ˈe.hud ˈba.ɾak/. The first syllable is pronounced with an "e" sound as in the word "met," while the second syllable has a short "u" sound as in "up." The "r" in the final syllable is trilled, and the "a" has a slightly elongated "ah" sound as in "father."
Ehud Barak is an Israeli politician and military leader who served as the tenth Prime Minister of Israel from 1999 to 2001. Born on February 12, 1942, in Kibbutz Mishmar HaSharon, British Mandate Palestine (now Israel), Barak is widely recognized for his significant contributions to Israeli politics and defense.
Initially trained as a highly skilled soldier, Barak rose through the ranks and achieved the rank of general in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). He played crucial roles in various military operations, including leading the elite special forces unit, Sayeret Matkal, and serving as the IDF's Chief of General Staff from 1991 to 1995.
Barak's military background and expertise afforded him a distinct advantage in his political career. During his term as Prime Minister, he pursued negotiations towards peace with the Palestinians and made substantial efforts towards a final status agreement, most notably at the Camp David Summit in 2000. Despite the summit's failure, Barak's commitment to peace and his moderate stance on various issues earned him recognition on the global stage.
Following his political tenure, Barak has remained active in Israeli politics, founding the Israel Democratic Party in 2019. He has also been involved in various business ventures and has written books on military strategy and leadership.
Overall, Ehud Barak is a highly influential figure in Israeli politics, renowned for his military achievements, diplomatic efforts, and continued contributions to public life.
The word "Ehud Barak" does not have an etymology itself, as it is a personal name. However, we can examine the etymology of each component separately:
1. Ehud: The name Ehud is of Hebrew origin. It comes from the Hebrew word "ehod" (אֶחָד), meaning "unified" or "one". In the Bible, Ehud was a judge and military leader of the Israelites, known for his assassination of the Moabite king Eglon.
2. Barak: The surname Barak also has Hebrew origins. It stems from the Hebrew word "bārak" (בָּרַךְ), which means "to bless" or "blessed". In Hebrew, the word can also be used as a noun, meaning "lightning" or "thunderbolt".
