developing· Politics· Updated 11:17

Packer Paid Netanyahu's Defense Firm Over $1.25M, Report Claims

An Australian media investigation has revealed that billionaire James Packer transferred at least $1.25 million to the law firm of Amit Haddad, the lead defense attorney for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The payments, consisting of $50,000 monthly retainers from Packer's company Consolidated Press International, began in September 2024.

11 newsrooms · 3 languages · since 10:07

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What happened

01Australian billionaire James Packer transferred at least $1.25 million to the law firm of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's defense attorney, Amit Haddad.
02The payments of $50,000 per month began in September 2024 from Packer's company Consolidated Press International to the law firm's Israeli bank account.
03The financial transfers started two months after Netanyahu and Packer reconnected following an eight-year estrangement.
04Packer is a key figure and witness in Case 1000, where Netanyahu is accused of receiving illicit gifts from him and Arnon Milchan.
05Haddad's law firm recently requested to depose Packer, who is currently outside of Israel and was not called by the prosecution due to medical conditions.
06Representatives for Packer claim the payments were for scouting business opportunities in Israel, though no evidence of such deals was found.
07Netanyahu's spokesperson dismissed inquiries from the Australian media, while attorney Amit Haddad declined to comment on the payments.

The financial transfers started approximately two months after Netanyahu and Packer reconnected following an eight-year estrangement. The revelation has raised conflict of interest concerns because Packer is a key figure and witness in Case 1000, the "gifts affair" trial against Netanyahu. In that case, the state alleges Packer and Arnon Milchan gave Netanyahu illicit gifts, including cigars and champagne, valued at approximately NIS 229,174.

While Packer did not deny the payments, a representative and sources close to him claimed the funds were for legal services rendered to Packer himself, such as scouting business opportunities in Israel. However, no evidence of any such business deals was found. Attorney Amit Haddad, whose office recently requested to depose Packer in the trial, declined to comment, and Netanyahu's spokesperson dismissed inquiries from the Australian press.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 8 newsrooms. Updated 11:02