Netanyahu's Strategic Flight Path Avoids European Airspace Amid ICC Arrest Warrant Concerns

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took an unconventional flight path to New York, deliberately avoiding most European airspaces on his journey to attend the United Nations General Assembly.

The Israeli leader's aircraft, known as the "Wings of Zion," plotted a course that notably circumvented numerous European countries during Thursday's flight, in what appears to be a calculated move to prevent potential legal complications.

Flight tracking data revealed the significant detour, which analysts believe was designed to avoid territories where Netanyahu might face detention under the International Criminal Court's November 2024 arrest warrants. These warrants target both Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza – accusations that Israel vehemently rejects.

Multiple ICC member states across Europe have publicly declared their intention to apprehend Netanyahu should he enter their territorial jurisdiction, citing their legal obligations under the court's warrant.

The flight trajectory appears strategically planned to avoid ICC signatory nations or governments committed to enforcing the court's directives – a situation that could potentially force the aircraft to land for arrest proceedings.

Instead, Netanyahu's plane followed a southern arc, skirting only the edges of Greece and Italy before crossing the Mediterranean Sea and continuing over the Atlantic through the Strait of Gibraltar, effectively avoiding transit through other European nations.

Standard flights from Israel to the United States typically follow a more direct northern route across central Europe, including passage through French airspace.

Aviation experts indicated that this deviation extended the journey by approximately 373 miles (600 km).

Ireland has explicitly stated it would execute an arrest if Netanyahu arrived within its borders, while Spain has pledged to cooperate with the ICC investigation. France, however, has indicated it would not detain him, and Italy has expressed doubts about the practicality of such an action.

France has adopted a considerably stricter position regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin, who similarly faces an ICC warrant. Like Israel and the United States, Russia is not a member of the International Criminal Court.

While no official explanation was provided for the modified flight route, a French diplomatic source confirmed to Times of Israel that Israel had requested permission to utilize French airspace. Though authorization was granted, the Israeli delegation ultimately opted for an alternative path.

"They decided to take another route, and we don't know the reason," the French official stated.

Netanyahu is scheduled to deliver his address to the UN General Assembly on Friday before proceeding to Washington for discussions with US President Donald Trump next week.