‘Attempted To Undermine Democracy’: Netanyahu Denies Epstein Ties, Slams Ex-Israel PM Barak

Last Updated:February 06, 2026, 19:16 IST

Netanyahu accuses former PM Ehud Barak of trying to destabilise Israeli democracy and highlights his controversial ties to Epstein.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday escalated his attack on former prime minister Ehud Barak, rejecting claims that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein worked for Israel and instead accusing Barak of long-term efforts to destabilise the Israeli government.

In a post on social media, Netanyahu said Epstein’s unusually close relationship with Barak “doesn’t suggest Epstein worked for Israel. It proves the opposite." He accused Barak of being fixated on his election defeat more than two decades ago and of repeatedly attempting to undermine Israeli democracy by aligning with what he described as the “anti-Zionist radical left."

Netanyahu further alleged that Barak has worked both publicly and behind the scenes to fuel mass protest movements, foment unrest and promote what he called false media narratives aimed at toppling elected governments.

Who is Ehud Barak?

Ehud Barak served as Israel’s prime minister from 1999 to 2001 and is one of the country’s most decorated military officers. A former Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, he later held senior cabinet roles, including defence minister. In recent years, Barak has emerged as a prominent critic of Netanyahu, frequently warning that the current government threatens Israel’s democratic institutions and rule of law.

Barak’s links to Jeffrey Epstein

Barak’s name became internationally controversial after media reports revealed a series of financial and personal links between him and Epstein, years after Epstein had already been convicted in the United States for sex-related offences.

The former prime minister has acknowledged that he had a professional and financial relationship with Epstein, including receiving investment funds connected to Epstein for a technology startup he chaired. He has said the money was channelled through legitimate financial entities and was unrelated to Epstein’s criminal activities.

Photographs published by international media also showed him visiting Epstein’s New York residence in 2016. Barak confirmed the visit but denied any knowledge of or involvement in Epstein’s crimes, saying the meeting was connected to business discussions. He has repeatedly stated that he severed ties with Epstein once concerns became clear and that he was never aware of Epstein’s abuse network.

Israeli authorities have said there is no evidence linking Barak to Epstein’s criminal conduct.

News world ‘Attempted To Undermine Democracy’: Netanyahu Denies Epstein Ties, Slams Ex-Israel PM Barak

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