Netanyahu’s Plane Avoids JFK Amid Concerns Over Mamdani

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s official aircraft avoided New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport during his September visit to the United States, amid reported Israeli security concerns involving New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Israeli officials had considered alternatives including Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and nearby military airfields, according to Israeli media reports. The concern was reportedly that Mamdani could seek to prevent Netanyahu’s official aircraft, known as the “Wing of Zion,” from remaining parked at JFK throughout the prime minister’s visit.

However, Netanyahu did not ultimately land in New Jersey. The aircraft touched down at New York Stewart International Airport in Orange County, New York, shortly after 9 a.m. on Thursday, September 24, ahead of Netanyahu’s scheduled address to the United Nations General Assembly in Manhattan.

The decision to avoid JFK came against the backdrop of tensions between Mamdani and Netanyahu. Mamdani had previously campaigned on a pledge to arrest Netanyahu if he visited New York under an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. After taking office, however, a legal review concluded that the mayor did not have the authority to enforce the warrant.

Mamdani has nevertheless said that Netanyahu is not welcome in New York and has defended New Yorkers’ right to protest during the Israeli leader’s visit. He later clarified that he was not personally encouraging people to demonstrate against Netanyahu.

Netanyahu’s visit has been placed under extensive security arrangements involving Israeli authorities, U.S. federal agencies and New York law enforcement. He is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly and hold meetings with several world leaders before returning to Israel.

The unusual flight arrangements allowed Israeli authorities to keep the prime minister’s aircraft away from JFK while maintaining access to the New York metropolitan area for his UN appearance.

Important: There is no confirmed evidence that Mamdani himself ordered or attempted to prevent the aircraft from parking at JFK. The reported concern came from Israeli security officials and centered on the possibility of a dispute over the aircraft’s continued presence at the airport.