Packer Firm Sent Netanyahu Defense $1.25M

The Sydney Morning Herald reported Monday that the law firm defending Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received at least $1.25 million from Australian billionaire James Packer. The report states the funds arrived via monthly wire transfers of $50,000 over the past two years.

The newspaper traced the payments to Citibank accounts belonging to Packer’s company, Consolidated Press International. The money went to an account at Bank Mizrahi Tefahot held by the Tel Aviv firm Hadad Roth Shenhar. The first transfer recorded in the report occurred on September 23, 2024.

A source familiar with Packer’s financial affairs told the paper that the payments covered work performed by his company. This work included securing investment deals in Israel. The source stated the transfers had no connection to Netanyahu’s criminal trial. The Herald said it asked for evidence of these deals, but neither Packer nor his company responded by publication time.

Netanyahu’s defense attorney, Amit Hadad, did not answer questions from the newspaper. He also refused to address the matter at the Jerusalem District Court, where evidentiary hearings are ongoing. Netanyahu’s spokesman told the Herald that the prime minister was busy with upcoming elections. He added that Netanyahu could not spare time for the questions.

Packer is a named figure in Case 1000 of Netanyahu’s trial. Prosecutors allege that Packer and businessman Arnon Milchan provided regular gifts to Netanyahu and his wife. These gifts included cigars and champagne. The indictment values Packer’s gifts at 229,174 shekels, comprising 145,577 shekels in cigars and 83,597 shekels in champagne.

Prosecutors argue that the gifts formed a supply line that extended over several years. They contend that Netanyahu used his position to benefit Milchan and Packer while facing a conflict of interest. The alleged benefits included a US visa for Milchan and regulatory changes for television investments. Hadas Klein, a former employee of both men, served as a key prosecution witness on the delivery of these gifts.

Netanyahu’s trial began in May 2020 and spans three cases. He faces fraud and breach of trust charges in all three, plus a bribery charge in Case 4000. That case involves alleged regulatory favors given to Bezeq in exchange for favorable media coverage. Netanyahu denies all wrongdoing.

The report appears as Israel prepares for elections while the trial continues. The Sydney Morning Herald noted it has not independently confirmed the details of the wire transfers.