Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to the United States next week with a reduced delegation, as his official aircraft, the Wing of Zion, adjusts its route to avoid potentially restricted airspace.
Sources confirmed to The Jerusalem Post that the decision stems from concerns several European countries may deny overflight permission due to ongoing political tensions tied to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
According to Jerusalem Post, the Wing of Zion is scheduled to depart for New York for Netanyahu’s participation in the United Nations General Assembly.
However, instead of its standard route, the plane will take a longer flight path, requiring additional fuel.
To compensate, officials have decided to cut passenger numbers and limit equipment in order to reduce weight.
Last week, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that journalists and some members of Netanyahu’s entourage would not fly with him on the state aircraft.
“Due to technical arrangements related to seating and security, it has been decided to limit the number of passengers on the upcoming Wing of Zion flight, including journalists and members of the prime minister’s entourage,” the office said in a statement.
The change is linked to the heightened diplomatic climate surrounding the Gaza war and speculation that ICC member states may restrict overflight rights for leaders facing legal scrutiny.
While officials stressed technical and security considerations, they acknowledged that the altered route was the primary factor driving the decision.
The Wing of Zion, Israel’s equivalent of Air Force One, was first unveiled in 2020 and formally entered service after years of debate.
Netanyahu has often used it for official state travel, though this upcoming mission highlights the challenges posed by shifting international politics. See, More, Here>>>>
The Prime Minister’s Office declined further comment on the revised arrangements, but the move underscores how Israel’s diplomatic and legal disputes are now affecting even its highest-level travel logistics.
