Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Feb 19: An investigation has alleged that Israeli government security personnel installed surveillance equipment and controlled access to a Manhattan apartment building associated with late financier Jeffrey Epstein, based on emails released by the United States Department of Justice.
The report, published by Drop Site News, details correspondence from 2016 and 2017 showing coordination between Israel’s permanent mission to the United Nations and Epstein’s staff to secure a residence at 301 East 66th Street in New York.
Former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak, who served from 1999 to 2001, frequently used the apartment during visits to New York. Under Israeli law, former prime ministers are entitled to state-funded security protection after leaving office.
According to the emails cited, Rafi Shlomo, then director of protective services at Israel’s UN mission and head of Barak’s security detail, coordinated background checks on building staff and oversaw installation of alarms, window sensors and remote-access surveillance systems. The structural changes reportedly required Epstein’s approval.
Correspondence between Barak’s wife, Nili Priell, and Epstein associate Lesley Groff discussed technical aspects of the security system, including remote neutralisation capabilities and controlled entry procedures. An email cited in the report indicated Epstein authorised the required physical alterations to the apartment.
The documents also reference Yoni Koren, a longtime aide to Barak who held senior roles in Israel’s defence establishment, as a frequent user of the residence during visits to New York.
Following Epstein’s death in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges, Barak publicly downplayed his ties to the financier and stated he had not received financial support from him. He later expressed regret over the association, saying he was unaware of the full extent of Epstein’s criminal conduct until the federal investigation expanded.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently cited the newly released documents in political exchanges, asserting that the correspondence implicated Barak personally rather than the Israeli state.
The released emails have renewed scrutiny over Epstein’s international connections, including reported donations to Israeli organisations and references to Mossad. However, no official findings in the publicly released materials establish that Epstein acted on behalf of any government.