Netanyahu defies international criminal restrictions, flies over Europe to meet Trump
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- Netanyahu bypasses ICC restrictions with transatlantic flight to meet Trump.
In a politically and legally charged journey, 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed Ben Ben-Gurion Airport Sunday morning aboard his official plane, known as the “Wing of Zion,” heading to the United States to meet President Donald Trump.
The trip raises questions about Netanyahu’s exposure to international legal proceedings, as he faces an active International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for alleged war crimes.
Data from the flight tracking website FlightRadar showed Netanyahu’s plane passing through Greek, Italian, and French airspace before crossing the Atlantic.
Observers note that all three countries are signatories to the Rome Statute, which obliges them to enforce ICC arrest warrants.
A deliberate route choice
This route differs from Netanyahu’s September trip to New York, when he flew only through Greek and Italian airspace. The addition of French airspace this time is seen by analysts as a public test of European compliance with international law.
European capitals are now in a legally and politically sensitive position, caught between their obligations under the Rome Statute and diplomatic considerations. Some 'Israeli' circles interpret the journey as a statement of defiance, demonstrating Netanyahu’s ability to move freely in international airspace despite ongoing legal proceedings.
International implications
The trip underscores the broader debate over the ICC’s authority and the enforcement of international law against high-ranking officials. Netanyahu’s successful transatlantic flight, culminating in a meeting with his close ally in Washington, is seen as both a diplomatic achievement and a provocation to critics of 'Israeli' policies.
European governments are now facing heightened scrutiny over whether they will uphold their commitments to the ICC or allow political considerations to override legal obligations.
