$1.25 Million in Wires: Packer Firm Paid Netanyahu's Law Firm

An Australian company linked to billionaire James Packer sent at least $1.25 million to the law firm representing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a report published Monday by The Sydney Morning Herald. The newspaper states the funds moved in monthly wire transfers of $50,000 over the past two years. The payments began on September 23, 2024.

The report identifies the source of the money as a Citibank account held by Consolidated Press International, Packer’s company. The destination was an account at Bank Mizrahi Tefahot held by the Tel Aviv firm Hadad Roth Shenhar. The newspaper noted that it has not independently confirmed the figures. The report appeared on the day before Israeli elections.

A source familiar with Packer’s financial affairs told The Herald that the transfers covered work performed by Packer. This work included finding investment deals in Israel. The source said the money had nothing to do with the prime minister’s trial. The newspaper asked for evidence of such deals or work by the firm. Neither Packer nor his company had replied by the time of publication.

Packer declined to comment when approached by the paper. The report states he did not deny the payments. Amit Hadad, Netanyahu’s defense attorney, did not answer questions from the newspaper. He also refused to address queries at the Jerusalem District Court, where evidentiary stage hearings are continuing.

A spokesman for Netanyahu responded to the Herald with a brief message. He said, "I couldn’t give a monkey’s about your questions. We are very busy. We have an election on right now." The trial is still under way while the political campaign heats up.

Packer is linked to Case 1000 of the trial, in which Netanyahu is accused of accepting gifts from Packer and businessman Arnon Milchan. Netanyahu faces charges of fraud and breach of trust in that case. Packer is not a defendant. Prosecutors allege the gifts formed a regular supply line. The indictment puts Packer’s gifts at 229,174 new Israeli shekels, consisting of cigars and champagne. Hadas Klein, who worked for both men, was a key witness on the delivery of these items.

Netanyahu’s trial began in May 2020. It covers three cases involving alleged gifts and dealings with media owners. He denies wrongdoing in all three cases. The trial includes a bribery charge in Case 4000 concerning alleged regulatory benefits for Bezeq.