Netanyahu Uses Epstein Files to Blackmail Trump and the West Over Iran
Former Mossad officer says Israel exploited Jeffrey Epstein as an intelligence asset to collect kompromat on Western elites, giving Netanyahu leverage over Washington on Iran policy
Iran | PUREWILAYAH.COM — A former Israeli intelligence officer has revealed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is using sensitive materials from the Jeffrey Epstein case to exert pressure and blackmail against Western political leaders, particularly U.S. President Donald Trump, in relation to policies targeting Iran.
The disclosure was made by Ari Ben-Menashe, a former officer of Israeli military intelligence and the Mossad, during an interview with the political program Going Underground.
Epstein Identified as Mossad Asset
Ben-Menashe stated that Jeffrey Epstein operated as an intelligence asset for Israel, tasked with gathering blackmail material on influential Western political figures.
According to him, Epstein’s activities were carried out with the awareness and coordination of Britain’s intelligence service, MI6, forming part of a broader Western intelligence network.
He rejected recent claims in Western media portraying Epstein as a Russian agent, describing them as a deliberate cover story designed to shield Israel from scrutiny.
“The reality is that Israel holds highly sensitive information,” Ben-Menashe said. “If Trump were to threaten Israel, that information could be released.”
Blackmail as a Strategic Tool of Influence
Ben-Menashe emphasized that the Epstein files contain recordings and documentation involving prominent political figures, which Israel has used as leverage to shape Western decision-making.
He identified blackmail as one of several mechanisms Israel employs to control political outcomes in Washington, alongside lobbying pressure and media influence.
This system, he said, has prevented the U.S. administration from acting independently of Israeli interests—particularly on Iran.
Netanyahu’s Grip on Power Despite Domestic Opposition
Despite growing opposition inside Israel, Ben-Menashe said Netanyahu remains deeply entrenched within Israel’s security and political structure.
“Polls show that most Israelis want Netanyahu gone,” he said. “But removing him is not easy. He has deep roots in the security, military, and political systems.”
According to Ben-Menashe, these entrenched networks—combined with external leverage over Washington—have shielded Netanyahu from accountability.
Iran Not Comparable to Iraq, Syria, or Libya
Responding to questions about Israel’s repeated attempts to destabilize regional states, Ben-Menashe stressed that Iran represents a fundamentally different strategic reality.
He highlighted three key factors:
Iran possesses a unified, disciplined, and capable military force.
Iran has advanced hypersonic missile capabilities that can strike Israel within minutes, rendering systems such as Iron Dome and Arrow ineffective.
Iran maintains strong regional alliances, including Hezbollah, the Yemeni resistance, and allied forces in Iraq and Syria.
He warned that any large-scale Israeli attack on Iran would ignite a regional war beyond Washington’s control.
“Samson Option” Could Backfire
Ben-Menashe described Israeli escalation scenarios as a modern version of the so-called “Samson Option,” warning that such a strategy could result in Israel’s own destruction before achieving its objectives.
“This time, Samson may destroy himself before destroying his enemy,” he said.
No Justice for Epstein Victims
Addressing the question of accountability in the Epstein case, Ben-Menashe dismissed the possibility of genuine justice.
He described Epstein as part of a systemic blackmail operation designed to control global political elites rather than expose criminal networks.
“The files and recordings are still in the hands of powerful individuals,” he said. “As long as real power remains with them, there will be no real justice.”
Ben-Menashe concluded that Western media outlets are actively participating in narrative manipulation by redirecting responsibility away from Israel.
He stated that portraying Epstein as a Russian operative serves to obscure Israel’s role and protect the intelligence structures that benefit from the scandal. (PW)