In 1998, Barak was the left's rising star. Their prime candidate to replace Netanyahu at the premiership and get the "Peace Process" on track. He was a highly decorated soldier, a former Chief of Staff and the darling of the media. So what did he do to become derided by his own party, hated by the media?
Barak made an effort to arrive at a conclusion of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by offering Arafat a comprehensive offer that included major chunks of the old city of Jerusalem, and a state on over 95% of the West Bank and Gaza. Arafat's response was a stern rejection and unleashing a wave of terror on the Israeli population. Barak was unable to resolve the situation, the Israeli economy and Sharon was elected. Barak was sent to political 'exile' (during which he made a nice sum in the private sector).
I think that Barak is so badly derided because he managed to expose Arafat's true intentions. They are worried that he will not be willing to make the same risks again. That's why he is hated.
Those who know me, know that I was never a fan of Barak. For him it was never about ideology but all about opportunism. His recent split is understandable simply due to the intense barage he was subjected to by his own party.
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