Published: 5 March 2019
Last updated: 4 March 2024
THE PUBLICATION OF the suspicions against Benjamin Netanyahu in Case 1000 has provided additional insight into the alleged relationship between the prime minister's family and Australian billionaire James Packer, one which officials believe included gifts, favours and even access to Packer's properties in Israel and around the world.
According to the allegations, the Netanyahu family enjoyed free use of Packer's villa in Caesarea, which is next to their own, even when the businessman was not present.
In mid-2013, American-Israeli billionaire Arnon Milchan introduced Netanyahu to Packer, and since then the two shared a bond based on the Australian businessman's admiration for the prime minister.
Throughout their acquaintance, from 2014 to 2016, Netanyahu and his wife received gifts from Packer that included boxes of cigars and bottles of champagne —the same kind of gifts that they received from Milchan during the same period.
According to the suspicions, these gifts were given frequently enough to be said to be considered a "conveyor belt" of cigars and champagne.
FULL STORY Packer's 'conveyor belt' of cigars and champagne to the Netanyahus (Ynet)
Photo: James Packer and Arnon Milchan (Photo: EPA)
