Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Official Plane Grounded Amid International Arrest Warrant, Yet Costs Persist

Israel’s official government aircraft, known as "Wing of Zion," remains largely grounded due to an international arrest warrant against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, restricting his international travel. The plane’s schedule for June, July, and August shows minimal activity, mostly limited to training flights and maintenance. For example, in August, eight days were allocated to "activity reduction" and two days to a "pilot trip," with only a few short flights planned. In June, the plane was used by President Isaac Herzog for a state visit to Romania, but Netanyahu himself has had very limited use of the aircraft.

In July, the plane underwent extensive pre-inspection and training exercises, including a night flight to Sofia, Bulgaria. Despite the low flight frequency, the plane’s crew, including seven to eight full-time flight attendants and ground staff, remain on standby. The plane is also scheduled for maintenance and refurbishment in October and November, coinciding with Israel’s election period.

Netanyahu is expected to use the plane for a trip to Washington to attend Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral and meet with former President Donald Trump. However, other planned visits, such as to India and Argentina, have not materialized due to travel restrictions. Hungary, which previously allowed Netanyahu entry without arrest, now respects the international warrant.

Officials involved with the aircraft emphasize its strategic importance, noting that maintenance costs are fixed and lower when the plane is less active, reducing wear and tear. The Prime Minister’s Office stated that "Wing of Zion" is a strategic asset ensuring operational readiness, especially during emergencies, and that maintenance follows strict manufacturer and aviation authority guidelines.

The plane’s establishment cost was approximately 365 million shekels, with operating expenses totaling around 60 million shekels from 2023 to 2025. Operating costs are expected to drop by nearly 50% in 2025 due to reduced flight activity linked to Netanyahu’s travel limitations. Despite the low usage, the aircraft remains a vital resource for Israeli state leadership.