Security Concerns Prompt Change to Netanyahu’s New York Landing Plan
The Hebrew-language newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth has reported that the landing plan for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plane has been changed during his upcoming trip to the United States because of security concerns. According to the report, his aircraft will not land at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York.
The newspaper wrote that Israeli security agencies made the decision out of concern over possible problems in positioning Netanyahu’s plane at John F. Kennedy Airport. The report said the concerns were heightened after threats made by the New York mayor.
According to the report, Netanyahu’s plane is set to land instead at Newark Liberty Airport in New Jersey or at a nearby military airport. He is due to arrive in the United States on Wednesday and speak at meetings of the UN General Assembly on Thursday.
At the same time, the US Secret Service has also increased security measures for the trip. According to the report, agents from the service will accompany Netanyahu from the time he arrives until he leaves the United States.
The report also said Netanyahu’s trip is likely to face protests outside his place of residence and during his speech at the United Nations. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani had previously said he would try to have Netanyahu arrested if he came to the city, but later stressed that he did not have the authority to do so.
The UN General Assembly is held in New York every year, and the presence of senior officials from countries at the meeting is usually accompanied by tight security. John F. Kennedy Airport in New York and Newark Liberty Airport in New Jersey are among the region’s most important air gateways.
