13.02.2026 22:50
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak expressed regret for maintaining his relationship with Epstein, who is being prosecuted for allegedly running a prostitution ring involving underage girls. Barak stated that his relationship with Epstein ended before the investigation that began in 2019. He mentioned that he was unaware of Epstein's crimes until 2019 and said that new documents regarding his relationship with Epstein may emerge in the coming weeks.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak stated that he regrets continuing his relationship with Epstein after the latter was tried for allegedly running a prostitution ring involving underage girls. Barak noted that this relationship ended before the comprehensive investigation into Epstein that began in 2019.
According to The Times of Israel, Barak denied the allegations directed at him due to his connection with Epstein in a published interview and claimed he was not involved in any illegal activities.
"I SHOULD HAVE BEEN MORE CAUTIOUS"
In the interview, Barak was asked about reports that he had stayed several times in an apartment owned by Epstein during his visits to the U.S., as well as some statements found in documents recently published and referred to by the public as the "Epstein files."
Barak stated that he takes responsibility for all his actions, saying, "Of course, there are questions about whether I should have been more cautious and careful." Reminding that he met Epstein in 2003, Barak said, "During the 15 years I knew him, I did not witness any irrational or inappropriate behavior. I was not aware of these crimes until 2019."
SCARF PHOTO AND HOUSE IN MANHATTAN
Barak also commented on a photo showing him entering Epstein's house in Manhattan in 2016 while wearing a scarf that partially covered his neck. He stated that he was dressed warmly due to the cold weather and argued that he had nothing to hide, noting that he left the building that same day with his face uncovered.
Referring to his stays in an apartment owned by Epstein with his wife between 2015 and 2019, Barak emphasized that this was a practical choice during his visits to New York and that he was not in any official position at that time.
CONTROVERSIAL AUDIO RECORDING
Barak was also asked about an audio recording from 2014, in which he allegedly made statements regarding immigration from Russia to Israel during a conversation with Epstein. In the recording, it is claimed that Barak expressed his views that Russian immigration could balance the population growth of Palestinians, which he said he conveyed to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Barak acknowledged that he used "inappropriate and illogical language" in these statements and expressed that private conversations could be perceived differently when made public.
"NEW DOCUMENTS MAY EMERGE"
Barak also acknowledged that new materials regarding his relationship with Epstein could be published in the coming weeks. However, he argued that any information that would come to the public would not be inappropriate.
Epstein had pleaded guilty in 2008 to charges of forcing a child into prostitution and died in prison while awaiting trial on charges of sexual exploitation of minors and human trafficking in 2019.