Israeli PM Bars Reporters From Taxpayer-Funded ‘Wing Of Zion’ Plane For Mar-a-Lago Summit With Trump

The Union of Journalists in Israel has issued an urgent demand to the Prime Minister’s Office legal adviser, calling for an immediate reversal of the decision to prevent reporters from accompanying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his official aircraft during his upcoming trip to Florida.

According to a report by The Times of Israel on December 16, 2025, reporters who typically follow the prime minister received notification from a spokesperson that they cannot board the Wing of Zion plane for the journey scheduled between December 28 and January 1.

This notification provided no explanation, no reference to any legal basis, and no mention of existing guidelines.

Through its attorney, Amir Basha, the union forwarded a formal letter to Shlomit Barnea Farago, the PMO’s legal adviser, insisting that the restriction be lifted without delay.

The union stresses that the Wing of Zion includes a specific section designed for media personnel, constructed using taxpayer funds.

Preventing reporters from using this space represents an unjustified and capricious action that severely restricts media independence and limits public access to unbiased reporting on the prime minister’s diplomatic engagements.

Additionally, the union points out that no formal, regulated procedure exists for determining media participation in such official travels.

This absence enables inconsistent, impromptu rulings that erode fundamental democratic values, particularly the protection of press rights.

This marks the second consecutive occasion where the Prime Minister’s Office has denied journalists access to the Wing of Zion for a U.S. visit.

The upcoming trip is based on Netanyahu’s discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump at the Mar-a-Lago residence, focusing on advancing regional peace initiatives, including the next phase of arrangements for Gaza.

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