Billionaire James Packer Threatens Lawsuits Over Netanyahu Funding Claims

Billionaire James Packer, a witness in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial, has threatened legal action against anyone claiming he funded Netanyahu's defense. Packer stated, "The claim that I paid even one cent is false. Anyone who claims otherwise is exposed to a lawsuit."

Packer's statement comes in response to an Australian media report alleging he transferred $1.25 million to the law firm of Amit Haddad, Netanyahu's attorney in the "Cases of the Thousand." Packer confirmed that Haddad's firm represents him but emphasized it is solely for his "private matters and business."

Lawyer Amit Haddad also addressed the issue in court, informing judges that while he represents companies controlled by Packer, this representation is strictly for business matters unrelated to the criminal proceedings against Netanyahu.

Packer's name has previously surfaced in Case 1000, which investigates allegations of gifts received by the Prime Minister from businessmen like Arnon Milchan and Packer. The current clarifications from Packer and Haddad aim to dispel any doubts about the source of funding for Netanyahu's legal defense, particularly during the cross-examination of former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit.

Packer's legal team, Haddad Rot Shanhar, is handling his private affairs, and they have made it clear that any connection to Netanyahu's defense funding is baseless.