During the Saddam era Jebara also held a high-level position in the Ba'ath party, holding the rank of Firqa,[2] equivalent to a branch chief.[3] He also served in the Iraqi Army, and was a Deputy Division Commander during the 2003 Invasion of Iraq, with the rank of Brigadier General.[4] Following the invasion Jebara was arrested by Coalition Forces, however he was released within 24 hours due to the intervention of a relative.[2]