James Packer in Tel Aviv

James Packer ‘gave lavish gifts to Israel PM’s son’

James Packer is reportedly being investigated by police in Israel over expensive gifts received by the son of the nation’s prime minister.

It comes as the billionaire is believed to be seeking permanent residency in Israel, London’s The Times reports.

Mr Packer flew 25-year-old Yair Netanyahu to New York last year and paid for him to stay in an expensive hotel, according to Israel’s Channel 10.

The eldest son of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took other holidays on the gaming mogul’s private jet, Channel 10 said, and received free tickets to a Mariah Carey concert near Tel Aviv last year. Carey was Mr Packer’s fiancee at the time but they have since split, with the singer reported to be in a relationship with back-up dancer Bryan Tanaka.

Mr Packer, 49, is not Jewish, and it is unclear why he wants to move to Israel. The Times reports that one possible motive is financial: a 2008 law exempts new immigrants from paying tax on their foreign assets for ten years.

Read the full article at The Australian.