Netanyahu's Plane to Bypass New York's JFK Amid Security Concerns

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's official aircraft, "Wing of Zion," will not land at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) during his upcoming visit to the United States. Security officials opted to avoid JFK due to concerns that New York City Mayor Eric Adams might prohibit the plane from remaining on the tarmac for the duration of Netanyahu's stay, according to Ynet. Historically, extended parking at JFK has been reserved for the aircraft of Israeli and Iranian leaders. Alternative landing sites are currently being considered, including Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey or a nearby military airfield, both of which would permit the plane to stay until Netanyahu's departure.

Netanyahu is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. on Wednesday, September 23, to address the United Nations General Assembly. His speech is slated for Thursday, September 24, at 2:00 PM New York time (9:00 PM Israel time). The visit will be under heightened security, with the U.S. Secret Service providing protection from his arrival until his departure.

Protests are anticipated in New York, with both Netanyahu's opponents planning demonstrations near his hotel and the UN building, and supporters from the Jewish community expected to rally. Netanyahu is tentatively scheduled to depart the U.S. on the evening of September 24, aiming to return to Israel before the start of the Sukkot holiday, which begins on September 25 and concludes on October 2. The Prime Minister's Office declined to comment on the matter.