Epstein Helped Broker Israeli Security Agreement

Hacked emails alleged Jeffrey Epstein facilitated efforts to open a backchannel between Israel and Russia during the Syrian civil war, according to multiple reports.

Leaked emails allegedly between former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Epstein reveal multiple exchanges during the height of the Syrian conflict between 2013 and 2016, according to Drop Site News. The “Handala Hacking Team,” a hacking group, leaked the alleged emails and Distributed Denial of Secrets disseminated them, the outlet reported.

The communications purportedly included a private meeting arranged by Epstein between Barak and Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a potential joint effort to end the conflict.

Epstein was a crucial asset for Barak by relaying insider information from Russia’s elite, insights on Putin’s international contacts and guidance on the Israeli intelligence service Mossad, the hacked materials alleged. After stepping down as defense minister, Barak allegedly expanded his global business ventures and investment network with support from Epstein’s advice and contacts.

Discussions explored securing Russian support for removing former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and pressuring the Obama administration to act in line with Israeli interests, the materials alleged. Assad fled to Russia on Dec. 8, 2024, after rebels captured Damascus, the Syrian capital. The deposed dictator now lives under strict Kremlin-imposed conditions and is barred from political activity and public appearances, Russian ambassador to Iraq Elbrus Kutrashev said, ARK News reported.

Epstein communicated with Barak on Feb. 21, 2014, writing, “with civil unrest exploding in ukraine, syria, somolia [sic], libya, and the desperation of those in power, isn’t this perfect for you,” according to the alleged emails obtained by Drop Site.

“You’re right [in] a way. But not simple to transform it into a cash flow. A subject for Saturday,” the politician allegedly replied.

Epstein allegedly voiced irritation in the exchanges over the Obama administration’s failure to contain the Islamic Republic of Iran as he and Barak looked for ways to push Washington toward military action against the country. Together, they sought to pressure the administration to either directly involve itself in Syria’s war or offer concessions to Moscow in return for Assad’s departure, the materials alleged.

Although they managed to arrange a meeting with Putin in the summer of 2013, the effort to win Moscow’s backing for Assad’s removal failed, the emails allegedly revealed. The talks purportedly helped lay the groundwork for U.S.-Russia collaboration on dismantling Syria’s chemical weapons later that year, Drop Site reported.

After their unsuccessful bid to oust Assad, Barak and Epstein revisited their Russian backchannel in 2015 as Barak lobbied for U.S. military action against Iran and opposed Obama’s proposed nuclear agreement, the materials alleged. Barak was purportedly unable to sway the administration’s position.

One cornerstone of Barak’s covert diplomacy with Moscow was his alleged connection to Viktor Vekselberg — a Russian-Israeli oligarch and head of the Renova Group, Drop Site reported. Seeking to position himself as a global power broker, Barak allegedly pursued a consulting role with the company that promised both a generous payout and deeper access to Russia’s political and business elite.

Barak reportedly kept Epstein closely informed throughout the process. As the deal with Vekselberg advanced, Epstein advised him on his negotiations, including on compensation, the materials alleged.

Epstein allegedly helped Barak write an op-ed aiming to help push for a transition in Syria led by Russia that would be in the interest of Israel, according to Drop Site.

When former President Barack Obama called for a “red line” in Syria following reports of chemical attacks in August 2013, Epstein allegedly emailed Barak soon after suggesting that he get a shelved narrative on Syria published, Drop Site reported. Barak purportedly pushed back on it before agreeing that it may be right.

Epstein allegedly offered Barak tactical advice on pushing the U.S. to strike Iran in the same email thread. “I would use the opportunity to compare it with iran. The solutions become more compelx with time not less. i think many people would like your views on egypt. syria, etc. russias role.? i think you might point out the gassing of ‘women and children’ is an expressions from the 20th centry. women are no longer equiv to children,. civilians. vs combatants . only,” the convicted sex offender wrote, according to a screenshot obtained by Drop Site.

He allegedly went on to express the hope that Congress would approve military action against Iran after Syria by writing, “hopefully someone suggests getting authorization now for Iran. the congress woudl do it”

Drop Site claimed the materials suggest he was a “fixer” who used backchannel diplomacy with Russia to secure access to senior officials and advance Israeli national security concerns even when it conflicted with the national security policies being pursued by the U.S.

Barak is a former Israeli commando who rose to become Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) before serving as the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister and Minister of Defense. He reportedly met with Jeffrey Epstein multiple times, traveling on private flights and visiting his Florida and New York residences, according to 2023 documents obtained by The Wall Street Journal.