Leaked emails show Ehud Barak discussed multiple business ventures with Jeffrey Epstein

Newly leaked correspondence indicates former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak maintained a far deeper business and personal relationship with Jeffrey Epstein than previously known. Emails published by Distributed Denial of Secrets suggest Epstein acted as a financial adviser, fixer and confidant to Barak over several years, extending well beyond their publicly acknowledged involvement in the Israeli emergency services startup Reporty.

The communications reveal discussions about a range of ventures, including an Israeli drone company, malaria testing technology, and even the potential sale of an American billionaire’s oil and gas empire. The exchanges depict Epstein as Barak’s sounding board, offering strategy, linking him to contacts and pitching ways to help the ex-premier make “hundreds of millions”.

In one 2013 email, sent months after Barak stepped down as Israel’s defence minister, Epstein wrote:

“We both know that with my involvement at a senior level you will be able to achieve, not so many but at least few hundred million more than without my help. To date you have not made a real proposal, and though I am happy to move forward I would need a firm serious offer to do so.”

The emails span 2013 to 2016 and paint a picture of a relationship that mixed business and friendship, Epstein reviewed drafts of Barak’s op-eds, offered him a New York apartment to write his autobiography, sent holiday greetings, and expressed condolences after Barak’s mother’s death. Barak continued interacting with Epstein years after his 2008 sex offence conviction, echoing a pattern seen among other powerful figures in Epstein’s circle.

None of the proposed deals uncovered in the leaks have been confirmed to have materialised. Barak did not respond to requests for comment, nor did the business figures referenced in the correspondence.

The hacktivist group Handala obtained the email archive and shared it publicly in August. Canadian authorities have said the group is linked to Iranian intelligence, adding geopolitical intrigue to an already explosive leak.