Fresh attention on Jeffrey Epstein has triggered strong reactions in Israel after newly released documents highlighted his past interactions with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak. The documents, which include emails and financial records, have reignited online speculation that Epstein may have had links to Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad.
Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, and former Mossad director Yossi Cohen, have firmly rejected these claims. They state that there is no evidence suggesting Epstein ever worked for Mossad or had any operational connection to Israeli intelligence.
Israeli Leaders Push Back Against Mossad Claims
The controversy resurfaced after U.S. Justice Department materials and other public records detailed Epstein’s relationship with Ehud Barak. Soon after, social media discussions and commentary revived an old theory claiming Epstein acted as a Mossad operative.
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Israeli intelligence sources dismissed the allegation, describing it as unfounded and inconsistent with how Mossad functions. According to these sources, nothing in the newly released documents suggests cooperation between Jeffrey Epstein and Israeli intelligence.
Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the issue publicly on social media. He argued that Epstein’s association with Ehud Barak does not prove any intelligence connection. Netanyahu stated that claims linking Epstein to Mossad are incorrect and not supported by evidence.
Naftali Bennett, who previously served as prime minister and had Mossad reporting directly to him during his tenure, also rejected the accusations. He stated with certainty that Jeffrey Epstein never worked for Mossad and that the suggestion of an intelligence link is entirely false. Bennett emphasized that Epstein’s criminal actions had no connection to Israel or its intelligence services.
Yossi Cohen, the former Mossad director, reinforced these statements during an interview on a podcast with The Free Press. Cohen said Epstein had absolutely nothing to do with Mossad—not as an agent, not as an operative, and not in any official capacity.
Political Tensions Intensify Between Netanyahu and Barak
The renewed scrutiny has also fueled political friction between Benjamin Netanyahu and Ehud Barak, who have been long-time political rivals. Barak served as Israel’s prime minister from 1999 to 2001 and later as defense minister in Netanyahu’s government.
In his remarks, Netanyahu criticized Barak, suggesting that their rivalry has extended for years. He implied that Barak’s political stance and past actions have contributed to ongoing tensions within Israeli politics.
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Barak’s office responded strongly to Netanyahu’s comments. In a statement, it described the prime minister’s remarks as politically motivated. The statement reiterated that Barak regrets ever meeting Jeffrey Epstein and denied any illegal or inappropriate conduct.
According to Barak’s office, there are no credible allegations that he engaged in wrongdoing. The statement accused Netanyahu of attempting to shift attention away from other national issues by focusing on the Epstein controversy.
This exchange has added a political dimension to the renewed attention surrounding Jeffrey Epstein. While the Mossad claim remains at the center of the debate, the disagreement between Netanyahu and Barak has drawn significant public interest.
What the Newly Released Documents Reveal
The documents that triggered the renewed discussion include emails, financial references, and communications related to meetings between Jeffrey Epstein and Ehud Barak. These materials describe visits to Epstein’s New York apartment and interactions arranged through the financier.
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Some emails detail logistical arrangements during Barak’s visits to the United States, including references to the apartment being used during those trips. Other communications mention introductions facilitated by Epstein to business figures and discussions involving financial matters. The records also reference broader correspondence in which allegations and warnings about Epstein were discussed. However, none of the documents indicate that Epstein cooperated with Mossad or carried out any role linked to Israeli intelligence.
Ehud Barak has publicly acknowledged meeting Jeffrey Epstein multiple times. In previous interviews, he said he sometimes attended meals at Epstein’s New York townhouse along with other well-known public figures. Barak stated that he never witnessed improper behavior and never participated in illegal activities. Despite the renewed focus on Jeffrey Epstein and speculation surrounding Mossad, Israeli intelligence officials and senior leaders continue to state that there is no factual basis for the claim that Epstein worked for the agency. They maintain that the released documents contain no evidence connecting Epstein to Israeli intelligence operations.
