Netanyahu faces backlash over Epstein comments

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sparked widespread criticism online after commenting on newly released US Justice Department documents detailing former 'Israeli' Prime Minister Ehud Barak’s ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

On Friday, Netanyahu took to X (formerly Twitter) to argue that Epstein’s close relationship with Barak demonstrated that Epstein was not working for 'Israel'.

“Jeffrey Epstein's unusual close relationship with Ehud Barak doesn't suggest Epstein worked for Israel. It proves the opposite,” he claimed, adding that Barak had attempted to undermine 'Israeli' democracy and foment unrest by aligning with what Netanyahu described as the “radical left.”

Public reaction is swift and skeptical

Netanyahu’s post drew immediate skepticism across social media. Many users dismissed his claims as political deflection.

Some argued that his statement inadvertently reinforced theories of Epstein’s ties to 'Israeli' intelligence.

Others questioned Netanyahu’s characterization of Barak - a former general and prime minister - as “anti-Zionist,” calling it a transparent attempt to shift attention from 'Israel’s' own connections to Epstein.

Read more: Former 'Israeli' PM stayed several times at Epstein’s NY apartment

The Barak-Epstein documents

The controversy stems from millions of pages released by the US Justice Department, which include details of Barak and his wife Nili Priel’s stays at Epstein’s New York apartment as recently as 2017. Emails show Epstein’s staff coordinating logistical arrangements, including cleaning and even upgrading cable boxes to Apple TV during the visits.

Previous reports indicate Barak received significant investment and research funding from Epstein-linked entities between 2004 and 2015. Leaked messages also suggest Epstein claimed to be advising on the 2019 'Israeli' elections to support Barak’s political ambitions.

Barak has consistently denied any involvement in Epstein’s criminal activity. He acknowledged maintaining a personal relationship with Epstein but claimed he was unaware of illegal conduct and later regretted the association.

Netanyahu’s attempt to frame Epstein’s relationship with Barak as proof against any 'Israeli' involvement quickly backfired.

Many observers on X described it as a futile effort, as the documents continue to reveal the breadth of Epstein’s influence among political and financial elites.