Netanyahu takes Unusual Route to US Amid ICC Warrant
israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in the United States, taking a flight path markedly different from his usual route. this deviation occurred following the international Criminal Court’s (ICC) issuance of an arrest warrant for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024, accusing them of responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the conflict in the Gaza Strip.
According to the Israeli daily “Israel Hayom,” the plane avoided flying over countries that might not reject the ICC warrant, “probably for fear that some European countries may take action against Netanyahu.” “Haaretz” noted that “This is the first time Netanyahu flew a different route than usual.”
To facilitate bypassing Europe and reduce mass, the flight to the US aboard the “Wing of Zion” carried fewer passengers than usual, as reported by i24 television. France, tho, did agree to allow the plane to fly over its territory, according to the AFP agency.
Netanyahu is scheduled to address the 80th UN general Assembly session in New York on Friday.He will then meet with President donald Trump in Washington early next week,marking his fourth visit to the White house this year.
Sources told the Times of Israel that Netanyahu intends to use his UN speech to criticize countries that have recently officially recognized the statehood of Palestine, accusing them of indirectly supporting Hamas. His criticism is expected to specifically target France.
Prior to his UN address, Netanyahu is set to meet with Trump’s Middle East advisor, Steve Witkoff, on Thursday evening to discuss the latest American initiative for peace in the Israel-Hamas war. Reports indicate that Trump’s management intends to pressure Netanyahu to accept the plan presented Tuesday to Arab and Muslim state leaders.
Meanwhile, protests against Netanyahu are taking place outside the New York hotel where he is staying, with demonstrators calling for an end to the war and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. A segment of Israeli public opinion has long accused the premiere of sabotaging truce negotiations and prolonging the war for political gain, possibly endangering the hostages who could be released through an agreement.