Afula : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s flight to New York for the UN General Assembly this week took a noticeably longer route than necessary, avoiding much of Europe. This incident has drawn attention because of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant issued against Netanyahu earlier this year over alleged war crimes.
While countries are not required to force a state aircraft to land, the risk of an unscheduled or emergency landing could present legal complications, the Guardian reported. French officials were quoted by AFP as saying that Paris had authorised Israeli use of its airspace for Thursday’s flight, but Netanyahu’s plane ultimately did not fly over France, suggesting a possible change of plans en route. The development comes amid strained ties between Israel and France, which this week joined other countries in recognising Palestine as a state, a move Netanyahu strongly opposes.
Israeli media reported that to offset the additional fuel required for the longer route, Netanyahu’s entourage was reduced, with some journalists and staff left behind. It is not the first time his plane has avoided European skies. Earlier flights to Washington in February and July also took circuitous paths to minimise risks of arrest if an emergency landing became necessary. Concerns about medical emergencies have also added to the caution.
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