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

James Packer is reportedly being investigated in Israel over expensive gifts received by the son of Benjamin Netanyahu.

James Packer strolls in Tel Aviv last year. Pic: Ella Pellegrini

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.

Israel’s interior minister Aryeh Deri said he had not received a formal residency request from Mr Packer, but confirmed the billionaire had made a preliminary application to the Israeli tax agency.

A spokesman for Mr Packer told Haaretz newspaper that Yair Netanyahu had the right to be hosted by friends. A spokesman for the prime minister said Yair Netanyahu is a private citizen.

Yair Netanyahu with Brett Ratner and Mariah Carey in Tel Aviv last year.

Police are investigating corruption scandals involving Mr Netanyahu and his family.

He has denied accusations he received an illegal donation earlier this year from Arnaud Mimran, a French financier convicted of running a multi-billion-euro carbon-trading fraud.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

Mr Netanyahu and his wife are under investigation for taking illicit money to fund foreign travel, and inappropriately using state money at their official residence. They deny the allegations.