Netanyahu’s Aircraft to Land in New Jersey for UN General Assembly Visit

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s official aircraft is reportedly expected to land at Newark Airport in New Jersey or at a military airfield in the region instead of JFK Airport during his visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.

According to Israeli media reports, there are concerns over potential issues related to keeping Netanyahu’s aircraft parked at JFK throughout the visit, reportedly involving New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Yedioth Ahronoth, citing Israeli security sources, reported that authorities were considering the possibility that Mamdani might not allow the aircraft to remain at the airport while Netanyahu is in New York. As a result, alternative airports in New Jersey are reportedly being considered.

Netanyahu’s visit is also expected to be brief. The Israeli prime minister is scheduled to arrive in the United States on September 23, address the UN General Assembly on September 24 and return to Israel the same day, without staying overnight in New York.

However, a diplomatic source speaking to The Jerusalem Post denied that the preference for Newark was related to Mamdani. The source said the decision resulted from discussions with the airport regarding aircraft parking and security arrangements.