Why Israel’s PM Skipped Spain and Portugal on Flight to New York

TEL AVIV- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken off from Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) aboard the Wing of Zion, Israel’s state-operated Boeing 767 aircraft, en route to New York’s JFK International Airport (JFK).

This trip is linked to his upcoming address at the UN General Assembly and meetings with US President Donald Trump. However, flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 indicates an intentional detour that extended the journey by 600 kilometers.

This alteration in route underscores geopolitical challenges arising from an active arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Netanyahu. The warrant, issued in November 2024, accuses him of war crimes in Gaza, prompting the aircraft to avoid certain European airspaces. As noted by PYOK, these adjustments expose the complexities of high-profile diplomacy.

Israel PM’s Detour for US Engagement

Netanyahu’s plane took off from Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) at 5:13 AM local time on September 25, 2025. The Wing of Zion, a Boeing 767-300ER, ascended to 36,000 feet, initially on a direct route over continental Europe.

As the aircraft approached the Balearic Islands, it took a southern turn, completely avoiding Spanish and Portuguese airspace. The pilots altered course, navigating along the Mediterranean before crossing the narrow Strait of Gibraltar, ultimately rejoining the main corridor and landing at JFK at 11:10 AM EDT.

This detour added about 372 miles to the trip and required extra fuel, prompting officials to reduce the size of the delegation to manage weight. This careful navigation reflects a strategic risk assessment influenced by ongoing allegations against Netanyahu, who maintains his innocence and questions the ICC’s authority.

Previous trips have also seen similar adjustments, though Netanyahu successfully flew over Europe in July 2025 without any complications. The ICC had issued the warrant on November 21, 2024, accusing him of war crimes, including starvation tactics and crimes against humanity stemming from military operations in Gaza.

With an active warrant against him, Netanyahu’s team argues for immunity as a head of state, although ICC regulations limit this protection for such severe allegations.

European Airspace: Allies and Challenges

Spain is a significant target for avoidance as the government has committed to fully cooperating with the ICC, including dedicating resources to investigate human rights violations in Gaza.

Portugal has also expressed its commitment to “international obligations,” signaling potential enforcement of the warrant. Other nations, such as the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, and Ireland, share similar intentions towards ICC mandates.

However, Italy and Greece allowed overflight this time, with Italy evoking political immunity and Greece maintaining a neutral stance. France has had mixed views, approving past flights despite vocal objections.

Countries like Hungary have outright rejected the enforcement of the warrant, while Poland has provided Netanyahu with safe passage for previous commemorations.

The United States remains a non-member of the ICC and offers a refuge. The Trump administration even imposed sanctions on ICC personnel back in February 2025, dismissing the warrants as politically charged.

Wider Diplomatic Implications

This flight illustrates the changing landscape of international relations. The recent recognition of Palestinian statehood by countries like Spain, Ireland, and Portugal has heightened tensions.

Netanyahu’s speech at the UN on September 26, 2025, is expected to strongly criticize such actions. His office has stated, “The shameful capitulation of some leaders to Palestinian terror does not obligate Israel.”

The travel restrictions imposed on Netanyahu have narrowed his options, evident by canceled trips to the Vatican earlier this year. Still, he remains focused on Israel’s security priorities. The situation highlights the tension between legal accountability and national sovereignty in the realm of international law.