Ehud Barak

Ehud Barak (born February 12, 1942) served as Prime Minister of Israel from 1999 to 2001 and as Minister of Defense from 2007 to 2013. He is Israel's most decorated soldier, having led elite commando units including Sayeret Matkal. After leaving politics, Barak transitioned into private equity and technology ventures, most notably as chairman of Reporty Homeland Security (later rebranded Carbyne), an Israeli emergency-response startup connected to Israel's defense industry.

Barak's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is documented across hundreds of emails, financial records, flight arrangements, and witness testimony spanning at least 2013 to 2018, entirely post-conviction. His wife Nili Priell Barak regularly used an Epstein-linked New York apartment as a personal residence, coordinating alarm codes and maintenance with Epstein's staff. Deutsche Bank records show Epstein's HBRK Associates wired $40,000 to Achrayut Leumit Ltd, described as a "public policy organization in Israel" connected to Barak.

Barak sought Epstein's investment and business advice for Reporty/Carbyne and introduced Epstein to meetings with Advent International and other institutional investors. An FBI Confidential Human Source reporting document from October 2020 described Epstein as "close to the former Prime Minister of Israel, Ehud Barak" and alleged Epstein "trained as a spy under him" and was a "co-opted Mossad agent." A February 2026 Drop Site News investigation, corroborated by emails released by the DOJ, revealed that the Israeli government installed and maintained a security system at 301 East 66th Street, a Manhattan building linked to Epstein where Barak frequently stayed for extended periods. Rafi Shlomo, then-director of protective services at the Israeli mission to the United Nations in New York and head of Barak's security detail, personally coordinated with Epstein's staff to install surveillance equipment including window sensors and remote access systems beginning in early 2016.

Shlomo also conducted background checks on Epstein's cleaning staff and employees. The security arrangement remained in place for at least two years, with Israeli mission officials in regular email contact with Epstein's assistants. The DOJ files also include an undated audio recording involving Barak, as well as photographs.

Al Jazeera reported in December 2025 on emails confirming the sustained financial and personal nature of the relationship, including Barak visiting Epstein numerous times, flying on his private jet, and staying at his properties. Barak subsequently stated publicly that he regretted knowing Epstein. Barak has acknowledged visiting Epstein's private island at least once and attending events at his residences, but has denied knowledge of criminal activities.