Defying Mamdani, Israel's Netanyahu to visit NYC but not land at JFK

Fearing possible arrest, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plane will not land at John F. Kennedy International Airport when he arrives in New York later this month, with the Israeli leader expected to travel under heightened security.

According to Israeli media reports, the decision not to land Netanyahu’s official aircraft, Wing of Zion, at JFK was driven by concerns that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani could prevent the plane from remaining at the airport throughout Netanyahu’s visit. The arrangement had previously been granted to the leaders of Israel and Iran.

Netanyahu is scheduled to arrive in the United States on 23 September, address the UN General Assembly on the afternoon of 24 September and return to Israel that night, according to Israel’s UN envoy Danny Danon.

Netanyahu and other Israeli officials are wanted by the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in connection with Israel’s genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.

Neither the United States nor Israel is a party to the Rome Statute, and the Trump administration has imposed sanctions on ICC staffers in a campaign to dismantle the tribunal.

While New York City does not have the authority to enforce an ICC arrest warrant, Mamdani has said he would seek to have the federal government enforce such a warrant.

The visit is expected to involve unprecedented security measures, with the US Secret Service significantly increasing its role in Netanyahu’s protection. The agency is expected to accompany him from the moment he lands until his departure for Israel.

The visit is also expected to draw protests outside the hotel where Netanyahu will stay and outside the United Nations headquarters as he delivers his address.

At the same time, right-wing pro-Israel groups within New York’s Jewish community are organising rallies in his support.

Following the decision not to land Wing of Zion at JFK, Israeli authorities are reportedly exploring the possibility of landing the aircraft at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey or at a nearby military base, allowing it to remain on the ground for the duration of Netanyahu’s visit.

Netanyahu is not expected to meet US President Donald Trump, who is reportedly scheduled to leave New York before the Israeli prime minister arrives.

Netanyahu’s UN speech comes amid Israel’s election campaign and is expected to be aimed in large part at an Israeli audience. He is expected to use the address to highlight his alleged wartime "achievements" and appeal to Israeli voters. The election is in late October.

Over the past three years, Israel has occupied parts of Gaza, Lebanon and Syria, fought two rounds of wars against Iran, and conducted strikes on Yemen, Qatar and other countries.