Before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was due to address the United Nations headquarters, the aircraft carrying him landed at New York Stewart International Airport instead of New York’s main airports. Stewart Airport is about 106 kilometers from the UN headquarters and is located outside New York City.
The airport is used for both civilian and military purposes. Concerns that New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani might not allow Netanyahu’s aircraft to remain at airports in the city reportedly influenced the choice of landing site.
Airspace used by the aircraft
During Netanyahu’s trip to the United States, the aircraft flew through the airspace of Greece, Italy and France despite the arrest warrant issued against the prime minister by the International Criminal Court.
Protests expected at the UN
During last year’s 80th United Nations General Assembly session, representatives from numerous countries left the chamber in protest when Netanyahu took the podium. Netanyahu delivered his speech to a largely empty hall.
This year, Netanyahu is expected to face protests at the UN General Assembly over the Israeli government’s ongoing attacks in Gaza despite the ceasefire, land seizures in the occupied West Bank, and attacks against Syria and Lebanon.