When it comes to domestic politics Barak’s retirement, and the expected disappearance of his short-lived Atzmaut party, is but a minor blip. Barak’s partners in Atzmaut looked yesterday as if they had just seen a ghost, in the form of the end of their political careers. In a statement the party said, “All options are open.” Its options are open the way they are for anyone else standing at the edge of a steep cliff, with an ambush of tigers behind and a crocodile-infested river below.

But it’s not at all clear that the country should be so ready to give up Barak as a decision maker on issues of national importance. Together with President Shimon Peres, Barak is the last of the old-time defense experts and statesmen who is still in harness. He knows the defense establishment like no one else, he can see the big picture and has deep, strong ties with defense officials around the world. It is largely thanks to him that Israel Defense Forces troops are not currently spilling blood in the alleyways of the Gaza Strip.

Someone once said that Barak could have been a perfect human being if only he were one. But even a cold fish like Barak isn’t devoid of emotions. He too has his breaking point. He has been subjected to a critical mass of disgust, hatred and criticism. It’s not impossible to understand that at the beginning of his eighth decade he wants some peace and quiet.

Read this article in full in Haaretz.