Fearing Mamdani's Arrest Threat, Netanyahu Shortens US Visit and Changes Landing Route

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has significantly altered his US itinerary following severe legal and administrative threats from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Due to an active International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant and the mayor's strict warnings of legal action if he sets foot in the city, Netanyahu's state aircraft, "Wing of Zion," will bypass John F. Kennedy International Airport and instead land in neighboring New Jersey.

According to a report by the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, the detour is driven by security concerns and coordination issues with New York municipal authorities over aircraft parking. Fearing potential detainment and massive public protests, Netanyahu has decided to severely curtail his trip, opting not to spend any nights in New York.

Additionally, a highly anticipated meeting in Texas between Netanyahu and billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has been called off at the last minute due to refueling constraints and logistical complexities with the US side.