According to a report by the Times of Israel on Thursday 25 September, 2025, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took off for New York early Thursday, but his flight route was far from typical. The state plane carrying him and his wife, Sara, bypassed the airspace of nearly every country between Israel and the United States – with only Italy and Greece making the cut.
The route, which can be traced on public flight tracking tools, seems to have taken a more roundabout way to the US, adding time to the journey. But that extra time may not be about logistics – it’s likely about legal exposure.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for Netanyahu’s arrest earlier this year, citing alleged war crimes committed during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Israel has firmly rejected the accusations. Still, the warrant means that, at least in theory, ICC member states are obligated to arrest him if he enters their territory.
Many countries have signaled their willingness to comply with the warrant. Spain, for instance, has openly said it will assist the ICC investigation. France, which lies along a standard transatlantic flight path, made headlines last year when it declared it wouldn’t arrest the Israeli leader – a stance that drew criticism from Brussels.
This isn’t the first time Netanyahu’s travel plans have been shaped by the looming threat of legal action abroad. Back in February, his flight to Washington was similarly elongated, also thought to be a measure to avoid problematic overflight zones. Then in May, a planned trip to Azerbaijan was reportedly canceled, partially due to concerns about crossing Turkish airspace. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, a vocal opponent of Israel’s actions in Gaza and an open supporter of Hamas, welcomed the ICC warrant.
As for this latest trip, Netanyahu is headed to the UN General Assembly – a stage where he’s expected to push back strongly against the ICC charges and defend Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Before takeoff, the Prime Minister posed for photos with Sara at Ben Gurion Airport, looking composed despite the controversy. One official photo captured the couple just outside the Wing of Zion, Israel’s state plane. See, More, Here>>>>
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