Israel installed, oversaw security system at Barak-Epstein residence in New York: Report

Recently released emails from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) reveal that Israeli officials set up security systems and regulated entry to a New York apartment owned by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, where former prime minister Ehud Barak stayed on multiple occasions.

The emails indicate that security equipment started being installed in early 2016 at 301 E. 66th Street, Manhattan. The property, mentioned in documents as “Ehud’s apartment,” was officially possessed by a firm associated with Epstein’s brother, Mark Epstein, but was practically managed by Jeffrey Epstein, according to a report by the Drop Site News outlet.

The email exchanges also suggest that the security measure remained in place for a minimum of two years. Representatives from the Israeli mission to the United Nations maintained consistent communication with Epstein’s team concerning security coordination.

Units in the building were allegedly loaned to Epstein’s associates and utilized to accommodate underage models.

Rafi Shlomo, the former head of protective services at the Israeli mission to the UN in New York and leader of Barak’s security team, communicated with Epstein's staff to schedule meetings and oversee the setup of surveillance systems at the residence.

According to the emails, Shlomo personally managed guest access to the apartment and performed background checks on cleaners and Epstein staff.

Under Israeli law, former prime ministers and other senior officials usually get security services once they complete their terms in office. The correspondence shows that Epstein directly approved the setup of the equipment and permitted interactions between his team and Israeli security officials.

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In a January 2016 email correspondence between Barak's spouse, Nili Priel, and an employee of Epstein, they talked about setting up alarms and surveillance systems, which included six “sensors stuck to the windows, and the ability to remotely control access to the premises.”

 “They can neutralize the system from far, before you need somebody to enter the apartment. the only thing to do is call Rafi from the consulate and let him know who and when is entering,” Priel wrote.

Another message stated, “Jeffrey says he does not mind holes in the walls and this is all just fine!”

Drop Site News also noted that communication persisted throughout 2016 and 2017, with Israeli officials organizing access lists for personnel entering the apartment.

In one January 2017 email, an Epstein assistant wrote that “Rafi, the head of Ehud's security, is asking if I could meet him at 4 pm on Tues. 14th at his office (800 2nd Ave and 42nd) re Ehud’s apartment.” Epstein approved the meeting.

By November 2017, an Israeli official responsible for security and surveillance had taken Shlomo's place for Barak.

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At the time of Epstein’s death in 2019, Barak downplayed his relationship with the sex trafficker, stating he had encountered Epstein multiple times but that Epstein “didn’t support me or pay me.”

Barak's longtime assistant, Yoni Koren, who died in 2023, was often a visitor at the 66th Street apartment. Documents show he visited there several times, including in 2013 when he was the bureau chief for the Israeli ministry of military affairs.

Recent emails made public by the DOJ indicate that Koren remained at Epstein's apartment while undergoing medical care in New York until Epstein's second arrest and death in 2019.

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