James Packer’s $1.8 million Payments to Netanyahu’s Law Firm Spark Investigation
Billionaire James Packer has been sending monthly $50,000 transfers to the Tel Aviv firm defending Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, prompting calls for scrutiny.
Investigative reporting uncovered that James Packer’s investment arm has sent monthly $50,000 wires to the law firm Hadad Roth Shenhar since September 2024, totaling at least $1.25 million. The firm is representing Benjamin Netanyahu in a long-standing corruption trial that accuses the prime minister of accepting luxury gifts from Packer and others between 2014 and 2016. Packer has not denied the payments but claims they compensate for advisory work on Israeli deals, while a source close to him insists the transfers are unrelated to the court case.
Transparency International’s Australian director called for urgent, independent scrutiny, citing Israeli rulings that block foreign backers from financing Netanyahu’s legal fees. Netanyahu’s spokesperson dismissed the questions, and the law firm’s senior lawyer Amit Hadad declined comment. The revelations emerge ahead of Israel’s upcoming election, which could reshape regional dynamics.
Why it matters
The payments could breach Israeli and U.S. laws on foreign influence in a high-profile corruption case ahead of a pivotal election.
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