Netanyahu’s Flight To US For UN Meet Takes Unusual Route Amid War Crimes Arrest Threat

Last Updated:September 25, 2025, 17:51 IST

Netanyahu’s flight briefly passed over Greece and Italy, it entirely avoided French and Spanish airspace, extending the overall flight duration

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu | File Image: AFP

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s flight to the United States took an unusual detour to avoid European airspace where an outstanding arrest warrant against him for alleged war crimes could be enforced.

Netanyahu left Tel Aviv on Wednesday evening to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and to meet US President Donald Trump.

Normally, flights from Tel Aviv to New York fly over several European countries such as France, Spain, Italy, and Greece.

However, flight tracking website FlightRadar24 showed Netanyahu’s plane taking a longer route over the Mediterranean Sea and through the Strait of Gibraltar. While it briefly passed over Greece and Italy, it entirely avoided French and Spanish airspace, extending the overall flight duration.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has not publicly explained the reason for this unusual flight path.

Netanyahu’s last trip to the US in July flew over Greece, Italy, and France, making this new route a clear change.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu last November. He is accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. European countries that are members of the ICC could potentially arrest him if his plane entered their airspace or landed in their territory.

Neither Israel nor the US are members of the ICC, which adds a layer of complexity to the situation.

Meanwhile, a French diplomatic source told news agency AFP that France had authorised Netanyahu’s use of its airspace, but flight tracking data shows the plane avoided it.

Recently, several European countries, including Britain, France, Portugal, Ireland, and Spain, have recognised a Palestinian state, a move Netanyahu strongly opposed.

Spain has also announced support for the ICC’s investigation into alleged human rights violations in Gaza and is actively probing the matter.

Netanyahu is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Friday and is due to meet Trump at the White House next week.

(With inputs from agencies)

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