US Secret Service Involved in Netanyahu's UN Visit Security
Unusual involvement from the U.S. Secret Service is noted in the preparations for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming visit to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. A diplomatic source familiar with the matter confirmed that Netanyahu will land at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, a location closer to Manhattan than the usual JFK Airport in Queens. The source denied that this change is related to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and potential provocations, clarifying that it stems from discussions with airport authorities regarding aircraft parking and security for the current visit.
Netanyahu is scheduled to arrive in New York on Wednesday, September 23rd, deliver his UN address on Thursday, September 24th at 9:00 PM Israel time, and return to Israel before the Sukkot holiday on September 25th. A delegation from the Prime Minister's Office and the Personal Security Unit arrived the previous evening to finalize visit details.
Last month, New York Police Department sources estimated that over 60 officers and detectives, alongside federal, diplomatic, and Israeli security personnel, would be involved in securing Netanyahu. This comes after Mayor de Blasio previously stated that Netanyahu, who faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, should be arrested if he visits New York. De Blasio called Netanyahu a "war criminal" and stated that many share this view due to his actions.
Sources within New York's law enforcement community sharply criticized de Blasio's stance, arguing it significantly complicates an already complex security operation and makes it more dangerous. Police officials expressed concern that the atmosphere surrounding the visit could incite extremist protesters to violence, not only against Netanyahu but also against the police officers on duty. Scott Monroe, president of the New York City Detectives' Endowment Association, echoed these concerns, stating that de Blasio's "irresponsible rhetoric" and calls for protests are fueling the fire and further hindering the security mission for leaders attending the UN General Assembly.
