Audio recordings of former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak speaking with Jeffrey Epstein have surfaced, revealing Barak’s remarks about Israel’s demographic policies and attitudes toward different Jewish communities. Released last week by the U.S. Department of Justice, the undated recording captures Barak telling Epstein that he had informed Russian President Vladimir Putin that Israel needed one million Russian-speaking immigrants. He said Israeli authorities could now be more “selective” and “control the quality” of immigrants more effectively than in the past.

In the conversation, Barak appeared to disparage Jews from North Africa and Arab countries, contrasting them with potential Russian-speaking immigrants. He also discussed breaking the Orthodox rabbinate’s monopoly over religious definitions and ceremonies to encourage mass conversions to Judaism. The recording highlights long-standing divisions between religious and secular Jews and reflects Israel’s ongoing efforts to shape its population through immigration.

The report also notes that Israel continues to promote immigration, offering tax incentives to new arrivals in 2026. Past immigration waves, such as those from Ethiopia’s Beta Israel community, have exposed persistent racism and inequality within Israeli society.