Netanyahu's Plane Crosses Airspace of 3 ICC Member States En Route to Washington

Air traffic tracking data on Tuesday revealed the flight path of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's journey to the United States of America. The data showed that his private plane, known as 'Wing of Zion,' entered the airspace of three European countries that are signatories to the Rome Statute, which established the International Criminal Court.

According to observations by the specialized website 'Flight Radar,' the plane flew over Greece, Italy, and France, all of which are legally bound to implement arrest warrants issued by the international court. However, these capitals took no action to close their airspace or intercept the flight, raising questions about the actual commitment to the court's recent decision.

This trip follows the decision issued by Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court on November 21, 2024, which ordered the issuance of arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former security minister, Yoav Gallant. The Israeli leadership faces accusations of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during the ongoing aggression on the Gaza Strip.

Observers point out that Netanyahu followed an aerial route similar to the one he took last December during a previous visit to meet Donald Trump. Although he had previously avoided entering the airspace of certain countries for fear of arrest, his recent movements indicate a clear disregard for the international legal restrictions imposed on him.

Netanyahu departed Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv on Tuesday afternoon, heading to Washington D.C. on a diplomatic mission aimed at coordinating with the new American administration. Discussions with US President Donald Trump are expected to focus on the Iranian nuclear file and escalating tensions in the Middle East region.

This visit coincides with intensive diplomatic activity, as the Omani capital, Muscat, hosted indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran last Friday. These movements come amidst statements from the American side about the possibility of a new round of negotiations early next week to de-escalate military tensions.

Netanyahu's visit to Washington is expected to conclude by next Friday morning, after which he will return to Israel upon completing his consultations. Attention remains focused on international reactions to European countries allowing a plane with an internationally wanted individual to pass through their sovereign airspace without legal impediments.

The three countries are parties to the Rome Statute and members of the International Criminal Court, and are bound by its decisions, yet their airspace was not closed to the plane.