The newly released Epstein files include multiple email exchanges between Jeffrey Epstein and former Israeli Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ehud Barak — and they paint a far more substantial relationship than previously acknowledged.

Two examples stand out:

1. August 31, 2013 — Syria chemical weapons crisis

Epstein advises Barak on how to frame the U.S. debate over the impending strike on Assad following the Ghouta chemical attack.

He suggests Barak emphasize:
“the gassing of women and children is an expression from the 20th century… women are no longer equivalent to children”
Frame civilian casualties as “civilians vs. combatants only”
Compare the Syria crisis with Egypt, Russia, and Iran
Use the moment to shape U.S./international opinion

This was during a pivotal moment when Obama was weighing military action.

2. October 30, 2014 — A full draft political speech

- Epstein emails Barak what is essentially a complete speech, over 1,000 words, outlining:
- Israel’s strategic posture post–Arab Spring
- “Islamist Winter” framing
- Israel’s need to “respond strongly to any threat to our security”
- Iran, Assad, Hezbollah, Hamas
- U.S.–Israel relations and Barak’s vision for regional order
- Recommendations on how Israel should message the geopolitical environment

This was shortly after the 2014 Gaza war, at a moment when Barak was actively shaping Israeli defense doctrine and public messaging.