The Israeli investigation into the extravagant lifestyle of its Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his links to moguls like James Packer, has all the elements of a Hollywood thriller. But it isn’t one that our embattled billionaire would like to see.
A Packer spokesman declined to comment on reports by Israeli media group, Haaretz, claiming that Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan recruited Packer to help fund the systematic demands of the Netanyahus for champagne, cigars, fine clothes and jewellery.
It set up a relationship that is causing heart burn for Packer as Israeli authorities investigate the extent of the gift giving.
Israeli state employees and elected officials are forbidden from accepting gifts, but Netanyahu has characterised the items in question as personal gifts from friends.
There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by Packer, who has developed a close relationship with the Netanyahus.
This reportedly includes providing luxury holidays and hotels for the PM’s family as well as free tickets to concerts given by his then fiancee – pop chanteuse Mariah Carey.
But the investigation is dragging another key Israeli figure into the mix: Mossad boss Yossi Cohen.
According to Haaretz, Packer and Milchan had attempted to recruit Cohen – who is a mutual friend – to head a cyber venture they were setting up.
Read the full article by Colin Kruger, CBD, at The Sydney Morning Herald.