Netanyahu flies circuitous path to UN summit ‘to keep away from arrest’ in Europe

[ad_1] Benjamin Netanyahu has once more taken a considerably longer flight route than crucial, avoiding the airspace of a number of European international locations, this time whereas en path to the UN in New York.

The Israeli prime minister, who has an international criminal court arrest warrant against him for alleged crimes together with hunger as a way of warfare, made a visit that flight-tracking information showed adopted the Mediterranean Sea, somewhat than a extra direct route over the continent.

The Wing of Zion, Israel’s equal of the US’s Air Power One, did cross territory over Greece and Italy however then turned south in the direction of the strait of Gibraltar earlier than heading throughout the Atlantic.

The Israeli authorities didn't give an official cause for the routing, though Israeli media reported it was to keep away from overflying a rustic that will be obliged to arrest him.

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Whereas there may be disagreement over whether or not a rustic’s army ought to implement the rule by forcing a aircraft to land, the case could be a lot clearer if Netanyahu’s aircraft had been to make an unscheduled or emergency touchdown.

France had beforehand authorised Israeli use of its airspace for Thursday’s flight, the French information company AFP reported, citing a French diplomatic supply. Nonetheless, the flight didn't cross French territory, presumably altering plans en route.

Relations between Israel and France have soured lately, with Paris heading a global diplomatic push to place strain on Israel to finish the bloodshed in Gaza, together with by recognising Palestine as a state this week.

Netanyahu bitterly opposes recognition, and his political profession has centered on stopping the institution of a Palestinian state.

The Jerusalem Submit reported two weeks in the past that some journalists and members of Netanyahu’s entourage wouldn't accompany him to compensate for the extra gasoline required for the prolonged route.

It isn't the primary time Netanyahu’s struggle has taken a circuitous route. In July, the UN particular rapporteur for the occupied territories, Francesca Albanese, criticised Italy, France, and Greece for offering “secure passage to ICC-wanted Benjamin Netanyahu” when he flew to the US.

Three months earlier, the Occasions of Israel cited the Israeli ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, as telling a pro-settlement organisation that Netanyahu’s flight to Washington DC in February had taken steps to keep away from making an emergency touchdown in Europe.

Fears of a medical emergency whereas within the air had been heightened as Netanyahu had his prostate eliminated in late 2024. “He had simply had surgical procedure, he got here with two medical doctors, and so they instructed him he could should land for therapy,” it quoted the ambassador as saying. “But when he had been to land wherever in Europe, he might be arrested as a struggle prison.”

The ambassador reportedly stated Netanyahu’s flight deviated to fly in airspace near US military bases, so he might land on these in an emergency.

The Israeli chief is scheduled to deal with the UN common meeting on Friday and is because of meet the US president, Donald Trump, subsequent week. Each Netanyahu and Trump reject the authority of the ICC.