Vance Alleges Ties Between Epstein and Israel’s Mossad – ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English

US Vice President JD Vance recently embraced claims on Joe Rogan's podcast that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein had ties to the "highest levels" of Israeli intelligence, specifically Mossad. Vance stated, "He clearly had connections to the highest levels of Israeli intelligence," echoing a conspiracy theory that has been a source of tension among conservatives. While acknowledging that no conclusive proof exists in released government files, Vance's comments have drawn criticism, with former Representative Peter T King describing them as a "dog whistle" to an "antisemitic, anti-Israel, conspiratorial and unhinged" wing of the Republican Party. Vance's office defended his remarks, while the Israeli prime minister's office did not immediately respond. Epstein did have a years-long friendship and business relationship with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, who received payments from an Epstein-associated foundation and expressed regret for the association.