Netanyahu to Address UN General Assembly, Depart U.S. on Same Day

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will make an exceptionally brief visit to the United States on Wednesday, September 23rd, to deliver remarks at the annual UN General Assembly session. He is scheduled to arrive in New York on September 24th and will spend only a few hours in the city before departing for Israel the same evening. This marks an unprecedentedly short trip, with no overnight stay planned and no journalists accompanying him on the return flight.

The Prime Minister's plane, "Wing of Zion," is expected to land at a military airfield in New Jersey or Newark Liberty International Airport, rather than John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. This deviation is reportedly due to difficulties in coordinating the trip with U.S. authorities and concerns that New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio might order the plane to leave the airport immediately upon landing, without waiting for Netanyahu's departure. Consequently, landing in New Jersey was chosen as a precautionary measure.

Sources familiar with the matter suggest that Netanyahu's decision to drastically shorten his stay and forgo an overnight visit is driven by fears of potential protests. He had previously canceled a planned stop in Texas, where he was scheduled to meet with Elon Musk. An Israeli source commented on the canceled meeting, citing "difficulties with coordination, both regarding the need for a refueling stop and the fact that the Americans are not very pleased with last-minute arrangements."

A meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump is not on the agenda, although Netanyahu's aides had reportedly attempted to arrange one. The Prime Minister may meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and organizers are trying to schedule encounters with other world leaders, though tight schedules are proving challenging.

Netanyahu's address to the General Assembly is set for 2:00 PM New York time (9:00 PM Israeli time) on September 24th. The primary focus of his speech will be the "Iranian threat," with his office hinting at "surprises" in the address. Ynet anticipates the speech will be tailored for an Israeli audience, coinciding with prime time viewing in Israel. The Israeli delegation at the UN is preparing for potential disruptions, such as heckling or organized walkouts from the hall, similar to incidents during Netanyahu's past UN appearances.