Billionaire Packer Paid Millions to Netanyahu's Lawyer, Report Says

Australian billionaire James Packer allegedly transferred at least $1.25 million to the law firm representing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a report by the Sydney Morning Herald. The funds were reportedly sent over approximately two years, starting in September 2024, in monthly installments of $50,000 from Packer's account to the Hadad-Roth-Shenhar firm, which also represents Netanyahu. Packer has not denied the payments, and a source close to him stated they were for services rendered on his behalf, including identifying potential business opportunities in Israel, and were unrelated to Netanyahu's trial. However, the Australian newspaper was not provided with any evidence of such business dealings.

Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Hadad, requested Packer testify via video link in the ongoing trial. Hadad stated his firm represents companies controlled by Packer in matters "completely unrelated to the ongoing trial." Packer is listed as a prosecution witness in the Netanyahu case, having been mentioned 34 times in the court file. His role has been a recurring topic throughout the proceedings.

Packer became known in Israel through "Case 1000," which began in December 2016 and involved investigations into bribery allegations against Prime Minister Netanyahu. Police estimated that Packer and Israeli businessman Arnon Milchan provided Netanyahu with gifts worth approximately one million shekels between 2007 and 2016, including champagne and cigars, allegedly at Netanyahu's request. The indictment notes a personal relationship between Packer and Netanyahu from 2014 to 2016, during which Packer repeatedly supplied cigars and champagne to the Netanyahus, valued at about 230,000 shekels.

Unlike the case with Arnon Milchan, where Netanyahu allegedly performed official government actions, the relationship with Packer was described as personal, stemming from Packer's admiration for Netanyahu. The article notes that Netanyahu has consistently denied all charges and called the corruption trial a "witch hunt."

Packer and Netanyahu met in 2014 and later, Packer purchased a luxury villa in Caesarea next to the Netanyahus' residence, which the Netanyahu family reportedly used personally. Netanyahu's son, Yair, also allegedly benefited from Packer's generosity, including stays in luxury hotels and use of Packer's private jet for travel. Packer stated he liked Yair and spent considerable time with him, including nightclub outings and stays at his residences. Packer also reportedly paid for concert tickets for Sara Netanyahu and the former head of the National Security Council, Yossi Cohen, when singer Mariah Carey, whom Packer was engaged to at the time, performed in Israel in 2015.

Netanyahu's spokesperson previously stated that Packer is a close family friend and Yair has the right to be invited by friends. Meanwhile, lawyer Hadad continues his cross-examination of former Israeli Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, who is testifying as a defense witness. Hadad declined to comment on the report.