Israeli former Prime Minister Ehud Barak has often been mentioned in connection with Jeffrey Epstein's files. For years, Barak has maintained silence, but he has now spoken publicly about this controversial relationship for the first time, expressing regret for his ties to Epstein and apologizing. However, his statements have not satisfied the public in the country.

"I REGRET, I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL MY ACTIONS"
In his statement regarding his long-standing connection with Epstein, Ehud Barak said:
"There may have been a definite error in my judgment regarding this matter. I am responsible for every action I have taken. I regret knowing him. However, regret is not enough; therefore, I openly apologize to my friends, supporters, and ordinary citizens who are deeply disturbed by this situation."

Barak's name appears numerous times in the millions of pages of documents published by the U.S. Department of Justice. These documents include visits to Epstein's home in Manhattan and his private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Barak claims he never witnessed any inappropriate behavior. "The responsibility for my actions lies with me," Barak stated, adding, "One might ask whether the details of what really happened and what occurred there have been examined more comprehensively."

CONTINUED RELATIONSHIP EVEN AFTER EPSTEIN'S CONVICTION
One of the controversial points of Barak's relationship is that it continued despite Epstein's conviction for sexually abusing a minor in 2008. Barak also commented on this, stating:
"I knew he had been prosecuted since 2008 and spent about a year in an open prison in Florida. However, I observed that the American elite; political, business, academic, cultural, and philanthropic circles viewed him as someone who committed a crime, served his sentence, paid his debt to society, and returned to operate within society. However, when the investigation into the case was reopened in 2019, the scope and depth of this person's disgusting crimes became apparent. After that, I severed my ties with him, and everyone else cut ties as well."

NO CURRENT CHARGES AGAINST HIM
Although Barak's name appears in the documents alongside many political and business figures surrounding Epstein, there are currently no charges against the former prime minister. Nevertheless, discussions continue in the public sphere about whether Barak's statements are sufficient and if he needs to share more details.