Arnon Milchan founded New Regency, is worth $6.4B per Forbes and confirmed he worked for Lakam. See his film career, spy account and Netanyahu's Case 1000.
Arnon Milchan is the Israeli billionaire who founded the film company New Regency in 1991 and has been involved in more than 130 films. Forbes estimated his net worth at $6.4 billion in January 2026, ranking him 605th worldwide, according to Wikipedia. In 2013 he confirmed on Israeli television that he worked for the intelligence bureau Lakam, and he is a key witness in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Case 1000.
Who is Arnon Milchan at a glance?
| Item | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Known for | Founder of New Regency Productions (Regency Enterprises); more than 130 films | Wikipedia |
| Net worth | $6.4 billion, 605th worldwide (Forbes, January 2026) | Wikipedia |
| Studio partners | Warner Bros., then 20th Century Fox | Wikipedia |
| Intelligence role | Confirmed on Channel 2's Uvda, November 25, 2013, that he worked with Lakam | Wikipedia, AP |
| Other ventures | Wikipedia lists Puma AG among his business ventures | Wikipedia |
| Legal status | Witness in Case 1000; not charged | Times of Israel |
How did Milchan build New Regency?
Milchan started New Regency in 1991, working first with Warner Bros. and later with Rupert Murdoch's 20th Century Fox, according to Wikipedia. Before film, he ran a successful fertilizer company in Israel, per the Associated Press. The AP also described his working relationships with directors including Martin Scorsese, Roman Polanski, Sergio Leone and Oliver Stone.
New Regency's credits include Fight Club, L.A. Confidential, 12 Years a Slave, Birdman, The Revenant and Bohemian Rhapsody. Olam has not independently verified the Oscar counts that appear in some profiles, so check awards databases for nominations and wins tied to Milchan personally.
Was Arnon Milchan an Israeli spy?
Yes, by his own account. In a November 2013 interview on Channel 2's Uvda program, Milchan detailed clandestine work including helping to buy technology Israel allegedly needed for its nuclear program, and said, "I did it for my country and I'm proud of it," per the Associated Press. The AP said he worked for Israel's Bureau of Scientific Relations, known as Lekem or Lakam, according to an unauthorized biography.
The Jewish Journal's translation of the broadcast says he operated 30 companies in 17 countries as cover for Lakam activity at the peak of that work.
What is Milchan's role in Netanyahu's Case 1000?
Case 1000 concerns allegations that Netanyahu and his family received luxury gifts, including cigars, champagne and jewelry, from Milchan and the Australian billionaire James Packer in exchange for favors. Prosecutors say the gifts between 2011 and 2016 were worth about $193,000, per EFE. Israeli police recommended in February 2018 that both men be charged with bribery, and the visa question was part of that case, per NPR.
Milchan testified by video link from Brighton, England, and has not been charged, while Netanyahu has been, The Times of Israel reported. Netanyahu denies the charges, and his defense says he did not know his wife was receiving gifts.
Where does the Netanyahu case stand now?
The trial began in 2020. Netanyahu submitted a pardon request in November 2025, and in April 2026 President Isaac Herzog said he would consider it only after efforts to reach a plea deal were exhausted, Reuters reported. Olam has not confirmed any later decision, so check current coverage before citing the status.
Arnon Milchan FAQ
Who is Arnon Milchan?
He is an Israeli billionaire and film producer who founded New Regency, according to Wikipedia.
What is Arnon Milchan's net worth?
Forbes estimated $6.4 billion in January 2026, ranking him 605th worldwide, per Wikipedia.
Was Arnon Milchan a spy?
He said so on Israeli television in November 2013, describing work with Lakam, according to the Associated Press.
Was Arnon Milchan charged in Case 1000?
No. He is a witness in the case against Netanyahu, per The Times of Israel.
Related Olam coverage: where Schindler's List money went and Israeli founders and companies.
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