Vance says Israeli intelligence had ties to Epstein: What to know

Vice President JD Vance has grown more critical of Israel, possibly in an effort to capitalize on changing views among voters with an eye on the 2028 presidential election.

Adam Lucente

Jul 16, 2026

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US Vice President JD Vance stated that Jeffrey Epstein had ties to Israeli and American intelligence in a Wednesday interview while doubling down on his recent criticism of Israel and its influence on US policy.

What happened: Vance said Epstein, a financier and sex offender who died in 2019, “clearly had connections to the highest levels of American intelligence, he clearly had connections to the highest levels of Israeli intelligence."

Vance clarified that he does not believe there is a clear link to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Vice President JD Vance tells Joe Rogan that Jeffrey Epstein had clear connections to US and Israeli intelligence services, but says it's the leftist in Israel NOT Netanyahu that were connected.

"He clearly had connections........

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