Why is James Packer testifying at Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial?
News Source
β’Sun, 1 Nov 2026 02:20:56 +0000
π° What Happened
Australian businessman James Packer has been called to give evidence at the corruption trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He will appear by video link after refusing a request to fly to Israel.
Prosecutors allege Packer gave Netanyahu cigars and champagne between 2014 and 2016. Such gifts are at the centre of one of the cases against the prime minister.
Reports also say a Packer company paid at least $1.78 million to the law firm defending Netanyahu, starting in September 2024.
π The Backstory
Netanyahu was charged in 2019 and his trial opened in 2020. He faces bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three separate cases, and denies all wrongdoing.
One case involves gifts from wealthy friends, including Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan. Another involves deals with media bosses for favourable coverage.
The trial has dragged on for years because of delays, security concerns and the war in Gaza.
π― Why It Matters
A foreign billionaire's money is now part of a case against a serving prime minister. If the payments helped him, he could face new charges.
Australian businessman James Packer has been called to give evidence at the corruption trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He will appear by video link after refusing a request to fly to Israel.
Prosecutors allege Packer gave Netanyahu cigars and champagne between 2014 and 2016. Such gifts are at the centre of one of the cases against the prime minister.
Reports also say a Packer company paid at least $1.78 million to the law firm defending Netanyahu, starting in September 2024.
Netanyahu was charged in 2019 and his trial opened in 2020. He faces bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three separate cases, and denies all wrongdoing.
One case involves gifts from wealthy friends, including Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan. Another involves deals with media bosses for favourable coverage.
The trial has dragged on for years because of delays, security concerns and the war in Gaza.
A foreign billionaire's money is now part of a case against a serving prime minister. If the payments helped him, he could face new charges.