06.02.2026 17:00
As the international repercussions of the Jeffrey Epstein files grow, Israel has spoken for the first time on a topic it has long remained silent about. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu directly responded to allegations that Epstein worked on behalf of Israeli intelligence, targeting the relationship between Epstein and former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, who is at the center of the discussions. Netanyahu argued that this closeness, presented to the public as "evidence," actually shows the exact opposite.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded for the first time clearly to the claims that Jeffrey Epstein worked on behalf of Israel, following the renewed attention on the Epstein files. Netanyahu categorically denied the allegations, particularly those pointing to the relationship between Epstein and former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak.
In his statement, Netanyahu emphasized that Epstein's contacts with Barak could not be presented as evidence to establish an intelligence connection and said, "Jeffrey Epstein's unusually close relationship with Ehud Barak does not mean that Epstein worked for Israel; it proves the opposite."
"CONSPIRACY THEORIES CANNOT REPLACE FACTS"
Netanyahu argued that the claims frequently voiced in public and on social media that "Epstein was working for Mossad" are based on speculation rather than evidence. He stated that such narratives create a false political narrative that overshadows Epstein's U.S.-based criminal cases.
According to the Israeli Prime Minister, Epstein's relationships with politicians and businesspeople from different countries are not evidence of secret missions conducted on behalf of states, but rather a reflection of personal and financial contacts.
"TO UNDERMINE ISRAELI DEMOCRACY..."
In a statement made on his social media account, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu criticized the former prime minister harshly. Netanyahu used the following expressions: "Barak, who is still affected by his electoral defeat over twenty years ago, has been obsessively working to undermine Israeli democracy for years and is collaborating with the anti-Zionist radical left, which has made unsuccessful attempts to overthrow the elected Israeli government."
Barak's personal obsession has led him to engage in activities both publicly and behind the scenes to undermine the Israeli government, including fueling mass protest movements, increasing unrest, and feeding false media narratives."
EPSTEIN-BARAK RELATIONSHIP UNDER THE MICROSCOPE AGAIN
With the new Epstein documents published in the U.S., it has been brought back to attention that Jeffrey Epstein met with Barak multiple times in the past and established contacts in certain business and investment circles. This situation has particularly ignited claims regarding Israel's possible role concerning Epstein.
Netanyahu's statement has been recorded as the first direct response from the highest level of the Israeli state to these allegations.
The piecemeal public disclosure of the Epstein files continues to create political reverberations not only in the U.S. but also internationally. Netanyahu's remarks are seen as a clear move to take a firm position against the institutional targeting of Israel in these discussions.