Australian billionaire James Packer reportedly 'wanted for questioning by Israeli police'
James Packer is reportedly wanted for questioning by Israeli police as part of a corruption investigation into that nation's prime minister.
Israeli police have been in contact with the Australian Federal Police in relation to the investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the ABC has reported.
The officers are believed to be interested in speaking to the casino billionaire, according to the Times of Israel.
The newspaper says that Mr Netanyahu has been questioned four times by police over allegedly receiving expensive gifts form businessmen including Mr Packer.
The AFP told the ABC they were familiar with the Israeli media reports concerning Mr Packer, but said the agency did not discuss assistance requests from other countries.
A spokesman told the ABC that the AFP "works closely with its international counterparts to investigate and prosecute allegations of corruption".
Mr Netanyahu has previously described Mr Packer as a "good friend".
Israel's Interior Minister Arye Dery said Mr Packer's lawyer asked him about arranging citizenship or residency in Israel for the businessman, which could bring him significant tax benefits, the ABC reports.
Raviv Drucker, an Israeli investigative journalist, told the ABC Mr Packer was introduced to Mr Netanyahu by fellow billionaire business Arnon Milchan in 2014 and their relationship has quickly developed since then.
Drucker has recently reported that Mr Packer allegedly offered free luxurious holidays to the Prime Minister's family, particularly his son Yair, 25.
The report claimed Mr Packer paid for numerous stays for Yair in properties he owns and rents around the world.
The Haaretz newspaper reported that the gifts included "tickets to a Mariah Carey show and expensive hotel stays".
Mr Netanyahu has repeatedly denied the allegations against him, insisting the gifts from Mr Milchan and Mr Packer were "friendly gestures", the Times of Israel has written.
