A new episode of the Daily Mail's Covert Connections podcast examines Jeffrey Epstein's extensive ties to Israel's political, financial and security circles, raising fresh questions about the scope of his relationships. While the evidence does not prove that Epstein worked for Israeli intelligence, it highlights his access to senior figures and sensitive networks within the country.

Central to the reporting is Epstein's unusually close relationship with former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak. Emails show Epstein offering financial advice, proposing lucrative investment arrangements, and attempting to shape Barak's business dealings, including ventures linked to defense and aerospace technology with potential surveillance uses. Epstein also positioned himself as a global connector, offering to introduce Barak to world leaders, billionaires and prominent cultural figures.

The files further reveal that Israeli state security personnel installed and managed protective systems inside a Manhattan apartment controlled by Epstein, as Barak stayed there during visits to New York. Correspondence shows coordination between Israeli officials and Epstein's staff over security access and background checks, placing government security operations inside his property.

Additional emails contain references to Israel's intelligence services, including a message in which Epstein asked Barak about obtaining former agents for private investigations. Although Epstein later joked about rumors that he worked for Israeli intelligence, no documents provide direct evidence supporting such claims. Barak has since expressed regret over maintaining contact with Epstein after his prior conviction, and the podcast also revisits longstanding but disputed allegations surrounding Ghislaine Maxwell's family and Israeli intelligence connections.