Australian Report: Billionaire Packer Paid Over $1 Million to Netanyahu's Lawyers

An Australian media investigation has revealed that billionaire James Packer paid over $1 million to the law firm representing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to a report by the Sydney Morning Herald, a company owned by Packer transferred $50,000 monthly to the "Chadded, Rot & Co." law firm starting in September 2024. The report did not state that Netanyahu himself benefited from these payments.

Netanyahu's spokesperson told Australian media that he was indifferent to the questions. Packer did not deny the recurring payments but declined to comment. A source familiar with Packer's financial dealings insisted the payments were for legal work done for Packer himself, including identifying business opportunities in Israel where Packer has interests. This source stated the payments were unrelated to the Prime Minister's legal cases.

Netanyahu is currently on trial in Case 1000, facing charges of fraud and breach of trust related to gifts allegedly received from businessmen James Packer and Arnon Milchan. Previously, a permit committee rejected Netanyahu's request for external funding for his defense.