Packer firm paid Netanyahu lawyers $1.25 million

The defense team for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received at least $1.25 million from Australian billionaire James Packer, according to a report published on Monday.

The Sydney Morning Herald stated that these funds moved via monthly wire transfers of $50,000 each. The payments began on September 23, 2024, and continued over the past two years. The money originated from the Citibank account of Consolidated Press International, Packer's company. It was deposited into an account at Bank Mizrahi Tefahot held by the Tel Aviv law firm Hadad Roth Shenhar.

The report notes that neither Packer nor his company has independently confirmed the transfers. A source familiar with Packer's financial affairs told the newspaper that the payments covered work Packer performed, such as identifying investment opportunities in Israel. The source claimed the money was unrelated to the prime minister's criminal trial. The newspaper requested evidence of these deals but received no reply by the time of publication.

Packer declined to comment when approached by reporters, though he did not deny the payments. Amit Hadad, a defense attorney for Netanyahu, did not answer questions from the newspaper. He also refused to address the matter during hearings at the Jerusalem District Court.

A spokesman for Netanyahu responded to the inquiry with a blunt message. "I couldn't give a monkey's about your questions. We are very busy. We have an election on right now," the spokesman said. The report was released on the eve of Israeli elections, while the trial remains ongoing.

Packer is a key figure in Case 1000 of the trial. Prosecutors accuse Netanyahu of accepting gifts from Packer and businessman Arnon Milchan. The indictment alleges that these gifts, primarily cigars and champagne, formed a steady supply line. The value of gifts from Packer is listed at NIS 229,174. This amount includes NIS 145,577 in cigars and NIS 83,597 in champagne. The allegations regarding Packer cover the period from 2014 to 2016.

The broader trial began in May 2020 and covers three cases involving alleged dealings with media owners. Netanyahu faces charges of fraud and breach of trust in all three cases. He also faces a bribery charge in Case 4000. He denies all wrongdoing.