Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu avoids most of European skies on flight to New York.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again taken a longer route to reach New York, skipping much of European airspace as he heads to the United Nations General Assembly.
Netanyahu travelled aboard the “Wing of Zion,” Israel’s version of Air Force One. Tracking data showed the plane cutting through Greece and Italy before turning south, rounding the Strait of Gibraltar, and then crossing the Atlantic.
The Israeli leader is under an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged war crimes, including using starvation as a weapon of war. Most European nations, including France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, and the UK, are ICC members and legally bound to arrest him if he entered their territories.
Although experts argue that arresting a sitting head of government would be difficult in practice, even an emergency landing in Europe poses political and legal risks.
Reports by AFP indicated that France authorised Israeli use of its skies, but Netanyahu’s jet still avoided French territory. The development comes at a time of strained ties, with Paris leading diplomatic efforts to push for recognition of Palestine as a state, a move Netanyahu firmly opposes.
Israeli media reported that some members of Netanyahu’s team were left behind to allow more room for fuel storage. The prime minister has taken similar detours in the past, avoiding European skies whenever flying to the United States.
Concerns about his health have added another layer to his travels. He underwent prostate surgery last year and now includes medical staff on his official trips.
Netanyahu is scheduled to speak at the United Nations on Friday. He is also expected to meet US President Donald Trump during the visit. Both leaders have previously dismissed the authority of the International Criminal Court.
