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Recent disclosures from leaked emails have illuminated the extensive and controversial business interactions between former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. This correspondence, spanning from 2013 to 2016, reveals not only their professional engagements but also hints at a personal camaraderie that extended beyond typical business relationships.
Barak, who served as Israel’s Prime Minister from 1999 to 2001 and held the position of defense minister until 2013, acknowledged a business connection with Epstein primarily through a startup named Reporty. However, the newly revealed emails suggest a much broader collaboration, involving discussions about various ventures, including the sale of an oil empire owned by an American billionaire.
Business ventures and financial insights
Among the numerous projects discussed were an Israeli drone company, a malaria testing technology startup, and a proposed sale involving the energy sector. The emails indicate that Epstein acted as a trusted financial adviser to Barak, providing insights and connections aimed at facilitating lucrative deals. For instance, Barak sought Epstein’s guidance on an investment in a startup called Light & Strong, which was developing solar-powered drones designed for military and aerospace applications.
Investment opportunities and challenges
In October 2014, Barak expressed interest in investing up to $1 million in Light & Strong, which aimed to compete with tech giants like Google and Facebook in mobile connectivity. However, Epstein’s response was direct; he advised Barak to avoid the investment, citing concerns over the financial viability of the venture. Epstein’s critiques were blunt, reflecting his skepticism regarding the financial proposals presented to them.
Additionally, emails indicate that Barak engaged Epstein’s services to navigate a potential deal involving Jack Grynberg, a Colorado oil tycoon. Grynberg sought Barak’s assistance to sell a 25% stake in his company for $400 million. While Barak was willing to facilitate this transaction for a commission, Epstein’s counsel was again cautionary, advising against involvement with Grynberg’s requests.
Personal connections and social interactions
The correspondence between Barak and Epstein also unveils a personal dimension to their relationship, as they exchanged holiday greetings and condolences during personal losses. Barak’s mother passed away in 2013, and Epstein expressed his sympathies, illustrating the depth of their connection beyond mere business transactions.
Networking and elite connections
Furthermore, Epstein leveraged his extensive network to introduce Barak to influential figures across various domains, including politics and business. The emails suggest that Epstein encouraged Barak to reach out to prominent individuals such as former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and then-mayor of New York Michael Bloomberg. Notably, Barak even met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2013, discussing geopolitical matters related to Syria, a meeting that Epstein had advised him to pursue.
Despite these connections, the nature of Barak’s association with Epstein has drawn scrutiny, particularly following Epstein’s arrest in 2019 on sex trafficking charges. Barak publicly claimed he had severed ties with Epstein, denying any involvement in or knowledge of Epstein’s illicit activities. However, the leaked emails have raised questions about the extent of their relationship, especially as Barak sought to re-enter the political arena amidst rising controversy.
Ultimately, the revelations surrounding Barak’s dealings with Epstein paint a complex picture of a relationship that intertwined personal friendship with significant business interests. As Barak aimed for a political comeback in Israel, the ramifications of these connections remained a point of contention, particularly in light of Epstein’s infamous legacy.