Report: American tycoon gives testimony in Netanyahu probe

Australian billionaire James Packer is suspected of giving Netanyahu’s son Yair gifts in an attempt to influence the premier.

By ELIYAHU KAMISHER
Benjamin Netanyahu (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
Benjamin Netanyahu
(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
Spencer Partrich an American multimillionaire gave testimony in the criminal investigation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a Haaretz reported on Friday.
Partrich, gave the testimony while visiting Israel over the Passover holiday, and was asked to speak about gifts he allegedly gave the premier, the report stated.
A police spokesman declined to comment on the ongoing investigation of the prime minister or the Haaretz report.
The prime minister has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in “Case 1000,” which is based on allegations that Israeli Hollywood movie mogul Arnon Milchan illegally gave Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, gifts worth hundreds of thousands of shekels, including cigars, champagne and jewelry.
The Netanyahus have not denied accepting gifts, but reportedly have said they were given between friends in a manner that does not constitute a breach of trust or bribe.
Australian billionaire James Packer is suspected of giving Netanyahu’s son Yair gifts in an attempt to influence the premier.
Partrich was also involved in the now closed investigation into Netanyahu’s travel expenses dubbed “Bibi Tours.”
Partrich allegedly provided Netanyahu with use of his personal jet.
In December Haaretz reported that Partrich purchased half of the prime minister’s parents Jerusalem home from Netanyahu’s brother Ido Netanyahu, making him co-owner with the premier.
Meanwhile British billionaire Chaim “Poju” Zabludowicz gave testimony to police investigators earlier this month over alleged gifts and favors he gave to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, while Netanyahu served as finance minister.
The police will soon recommend indicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for illegally receiving expensive gifts, despite not questioning Australian billionaire James Packer, Channel 2’s Amnon Abramovich reported on Wednesday.
The report said police had questioned more than 90 people in the lavish gifts affair, giving more than enough information to recommend an indictment to Attorney-General Avichai Mandelblit, who will make a final decision.