Summary
Leaked emails reveal that former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak had a close business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, a financier who became infamous for sex crimes. The emails show that Barak and Epstein collaborated on different business ideas, and Epstein offered his financial expertise to Barak after his role as Israel's defense minister ended in 2013. The communications spanned from 2013 to 2016 and included business proposals and personal interactions.
Key Facts
- Ehud Barak, Israel's ex-Prime Minister, worked closely with Jeffrey Epstein on multiple business projects.
- The relationship combined professional and personal interactions, with Epstein advising Barak on various ventures.
- Barak acknowledged a connection with Epstein through the Israeli startup Reporty, but emails show more collaborations.
- The leaked emails were published by Distributed Denial of Secrets, a whistleblower site, in August.
- The emails show the proposed sale of an American oil and gas empire and investment in an Israeli drone company among discussed ventures.
- Epstein promised to help Barak earn hundreds of millions of dollars but requested a serious financial proposal.
- Emails indicate Epstein had already been paid at least $5 million by Barak and proposed new terms for future financial services.
- Barak used an apartment linked to Epstein and engaged in personal interactions like exchanging holiday greetings and condolences.
