DOJ emails reveal Israeli government secured Epstein's Manhattan apartment housing Ehud Barak

2026-02-19 - 08:22

Emails released by the US Department of Justice reveal that Israeli government security officials installed equipment and managed access at a Manhattan apartment building operated by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, where former Prime Minister Ehud Barak reportedly stayed for extended periods. The arrangements at 301 E. 66th Street began in early 2016 and continued for at least two years. Security Coordination Detailed In January 2016, Barak's wife Nili Priell exchanged emails with an Epstein aide about installing alarms and surveillance equipment, including "sensors sticked to the windows, and the ability to remotely control access to the premises." Priell wrote that Rafi Shlomo, director of protective service at the Israeli mission to the UN, could "neutralize the system from far" for scheduled entries. An Epstein aide assured Barak and Priell: "Jeffrey says he does not mind holes in the walls and this is all just fine!" Access Lists and Background Checks In January 2017, an Epstein assistant emailed Shlomo listing staff requiring access to "Ehud's apartment," including a maid "going in and out... for a long time now!" The assistant offered: "you may certainly do background checks on them if you need." Weeks later, the assistant informed Epstein that Shlomo requested a meeting "re Ehud's apartment... about the going in and out of maids, etc." Political Responses After Epstein's 2019 death, Barak downplayed their relationship, stating Epstein "didn't support me or pay me." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later asserted: "Jeffrey Epstein's unusual close relationship with Ehud Barak doesn't suggest Epstein worked for Israel. It proves the opposite."