Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett dismissed allegations that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein worked for Israeli intelligence services, describing the claims from U.S. media figures as being part of “a vicious wave of slander and lies” against Israel.

Ex-Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett rebuked Tucker Carlson over his claim that the alleged sex pest Jeffrey Epstein led a blackmail campaign on behalf of the Mossad. Bennett, 53, characterized the conspiratorial remarks from Carlson—and others on the right—as a “vicious wave of slander and lies” against Israel.

The accusation that Jeffrey Epstein somehow worked for Israel or the Mossad running a blackmail ring is categorically and totally false,” wrote Naftali Bennett.