Packer testifies in Israeli PM scandal

James Packer

Israeli police questioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for about four hours yesterday over two corruption scandals surrounding the long-ruling leader, one of which involves Australian gaming tycoon James Packer.

It was the sixth time police have questioned Netanyahu over the scandals, which have yet to threaten his rule but have chipped away at his public approval ratings. Police suspect him of being involved in bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

One investigation concerns allegations that Netanyahu accepted lavish gifts from wealthy supporters, including Packer, who until December 2016, owned a stake in Macau gaming operator Melco Crown Resorts.

On Friday, Prime Minister Netanyahu was presented with Packer’s testimony that several Israeli media reports said strengthened the likelihood of bribery charges against him.

“I admire Prime Minister Netanyahu and am happy that I was given the opportunity to be his friend,” Packer said in his testimony, according to Israeli media. “I was happy to give him presents, many times at his request and his wife Sara’s request.”

Netanyahu has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the gifts were occasional and “certainly not [given] in the systematic and planned way” as alleged. He also called the accusations against him a witch hunt orchestrated by a hostile media. MDT/AP