An Israeli drone company, malaria testing technology, and the proposed sale of an American billionaire’s oil and gas empire are among the many business ventures that former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak discussed with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, according to leaked emails. These communications reveal a long-running relationship that blurred professional and personal boundaries, with Epstein serving as a financial adviser, fixer, and friend to Barak.
While Barak has previously acknowledged a business relationship with Epstein through the Israeli emergency services startup Reporty, the emails suggest a deeper collaboration on several previously undisclosed business proposals. Barak, who led Israel from 1999 to 2001 and served as the country’s defense minister from 2007 to 2013, also sought Epstein’s input on newspaper op-eds and used an apartment arranged by Epstein in New York City to write his autobiography.
Business Ventures and Financial Advice
The emails, spanning from 2013 to 2016, were published by the whistleblower site Distributed Denial of Secrets after being hacked by a group linked to Iran’s intelligence agencies. Just months after Barak ended his tenure as Israel’s defense chief in 2013, Epstein promised to make him hundreds of millions of dollars, showcasing his skills as a financial adviser.
One notable venture involved a proposed investment in Light & Strong, an Israeli startup working on solar-powered drones. Despite initial interest, Epstein advised against the investment, criticizing the company’s financial statements. The company was later acquired by an Indian aerospace conglomerate.
In another instance, Barak attempted to broker the sale of oil tycoon Jack Grynberg’s company, Gadeco LLC. Epstein advised Barak to avoid the deal, deeming it a “total waste of time.” Despite initial negotiations, the sale did not proceed, and Grynberg later lost control of his business empire following a lawsuit by his family.
Connections and Influence
Epstein facilitated connections for Barak with high-profile individuals across politics, business, and academia. These included meetings with figures like former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, outgoing New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Barak’s meeting with Putin in 2013 aimed to persuade him to abandon support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, but it was unsuccessful.
Epstein also advised Barak on approaching Ariane de Rothschild, a billionaire French banker, suggesting strategies to build a relationship. Around this time, Epstein was pursuing Rothschild to fund Israeli “offensive cyber” startups, aligning with Barak’s interests in Israeli technology firms.
Personal Ties and Fallout
The emails also highlight a personal friendship between Barak and Epstein. Epstein offered Barak access to his Manhattan apartment and invited him to his private island, Little Saint John, though it’s unclear if the visit occurred. Barak has since distanced himself from Epstein, denying any involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities.
Barak’s relationship with Epstein overshadowed his political ambitions, particularly during his 2019 campaign against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Epstein’s arrest and subsequent death in 2019 reignited scrutiny of Barak’s ties to the disgraced financier, contributing to his political defeat.
In conclusion, the leaked emails paint a complex picture of Barak’s interactions with Epstein, revealing a mix of business dealings, personal connections, and political aspirations. As the world continues to grapple with the fallout from Epstein’s crimes, figures like Barak remain under scrutiny for their associations with the late financier.
