Due to an ICC arrest warrant, Israeli PM Netanyahu's plane avoided Europe while flying to New York. Ireland and Spain had issued warnings of arrest, making his travel route 600 km longer than usual.
World News: When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for New York to address the United Nations General Assembly, his plane took an unusual route. Typically, Israeli aircraft fly through Europe to get from Tel Aviv to America, but this time, Netanyahu chose a path that drew everyone's attention. This change was not due to an ordinary reason but because of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
ICC Warrant
In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister Yoav Gallant. They were accused of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza war. Israel rejected these accusations, stating they were politically motivated, but the court's order complicated the situation.
Long and Unusual Journey
Netanyahu's official plane, "Wings of Zion," this time proceeded while largely bypassing most of Europe. This route only skirted the edges of Greece and Italy, making it approximately six hundred kilometers longer than the usual path. This decision clearly indicates that Netanyahu and his team wanted to avoid any risks.
Stance of European Nations
Clear disagreements regarding Netanyahu were evident among ICC member states. Ireland and Spain had already stated that they would arrest Netanyahu if he entered their territory. On the other hand, France indicated it would not make an arrest, while Italy adopted an uncertain stance on the matter. In such an environment, Netanyahu's plane bypassed a large part of Europe.
Permission Sought from France
According to reports, Israel had sought permission from France to use its airspace. However, no clear response emerged from Paris on this. In diplomatic circles, the question arose whether Netanyahu's plane would have taken the usual route to New York if France had granted permission.
Israel's Response
The Israeli government completely rejected the ICC's accusations and warrants. They stated that actions taken in Gaza were solely to combat Hamas terrorism and ensure the safety of civilians. Israel argues that such warrants are merely an attempt to tarnish the country's image and cannot be recognized.
America's Perspective
The United States is not a member of the ICC and has consistently refused to recognize the court's jurisdiction. This is why Netanyahu faced no difficulty in traveling to New York to address the United Nations General Assembly. However, future travels in regions like Europe could pose significant challenges for him.
