In a high-stakes maneuver reflecting growing diplomatic isolation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rerouted his flight to the United Nations General Assembly in New York to avoid airspace over France and Spain—two European nations that have openly criticized Israel’s conduct in the Gaza war and could be obligated to act on an international arrest warrant .
A Flight Shaped by Legal and Diplomatic Risk
According to a report from The New York Times, Netanyahu’s government opted for a longer, more circuitous route from Tel Aviv to New York on September 25, 2025, bypassing Western European airspace entirely . The decision came amid mounting pressure after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in May 2025 for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity related to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza .
Why France and Spain Pose a Risk
Both countries have taken increasingly critical stances on Israel’s war in Gaza:
- France: President Emmanuel Macron called for an arms embargo on Israel in early 2025 and endorsed South Africa’s genocide case at the International Court of Justice .
- Spain: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has repeatedly condemned Israel’s actions as “disproportionate” and recognized Palestinian statehood in June 2025 .
Netanyahu’s 2025 UN Flight Route: A Comparison
| Year | Typical Route | 2025 Route | Additional Flight Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–2024 | Tel Aviv → Paris/Frankfurt → NYC | — | — |
| 2025 | — | Tel Aviv → Greece → Iceland → NYC | +2.5 hours |
The ICC Warrant: What It Means
The ICC’s May 2025 warrant accuses Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of:
- Intentionally directing attacks against civilians
- Using starvation as a method of warfare
- Failing to distinguish between military and civilian targets
While Israel is not an ICC member and rejects the court’s jurisdiction, the warrant carries significant diplomatic weight—especially in Europe, where many nations are signatories .
Netanyahu’s detour highlights the real-world impact of international legal actions on state leaders.
U.S. Protection and Diplomatic Immunity
Despite the ICC warrant, Netanyahu was able to attend the UN General Assembly under U.S. protection. As a visiting head of government, he enjoys temporary diplomatic immunity on U.S. soil—a status the Biden administration has upheld despite internal policy debates [[INTERNAL_LINK:icc-warrant-us-response]].
However, his altered flight path underscores a new reality: even long-standing allies may no longer offer safe passage, forcing leaders accused of international crimes to navigate a shrinking map of friendly airspace.
