Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to travel to New York on Wednesday, September 23, for the UN General Assembly meetings. His aircraft is planned to land at Newark Airport in New Jersey instead of New York's JFK Airport.
A US political source said the US Secret Service would provide an "extraordinary level" of security coverage during Netanyahu's visit. The change in the landing site was linked to discussions over the aircraft's security and where it would be parked at the airport.
Assessments that the change was prompted by New York Mayor Mamdani's remarks about Netanyahu or the possibility of a provocation were rejected.
Mamdani's remarks about Netanyahu
Mamdani had said that if Netanyahu traveled to New York in September for the UN General Assembly meetings, they would act within the powers granted by New York City law regarding whether to enforce the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant.
The New York mayor had also said he believed Netanyahu belonged in The Hague and described him as a war criminal indicted by the ICC. Netanyahu accused Mamdani of attacking the leader of the Jewish state, which he described as the only democracy in the Middle East. Netanyahu also argued that the ICC had no jurisdiction over US and Israeli citizens.
The ICC warrant for Netanyahu
On November 21, 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
A group from the Israeli Prime Minister's Office and Netanyahu's personal protection team also traveled to the United States to finalize the details of the visit and make preliminary preparations.
