SYDNEY — Australian billionaire James Packer paid $1.8 million to an Israeli law firm that is also representing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his ongoing corruption trial, according to a joint investigation published Saturday by The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. The payments, made in monthly wire transfers of $50,000, were uncovered as Israelis prepare for what analysts describe as a pivotal national election. The investigation did not allege any wrongdoing by Packer or the law firm, Herzog Fox & Neeman, but the financial connection has drawn scrutiny given the firm's high-profile role defending Netanyahu against charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.