Netanyahu’s aircraft to skip New York Airport over Mamdani concerns

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s aircraft will not land at a New York airport during his forthcoming visit, with Israeli security services concerned that New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani could prevent the plane from remaining at the airport throughout the visit.

Security officials are considering alternative landing sites, including Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey or a nearby military airfield, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media. 

Netanyahu’s visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly is expected to involve unprecedented security measures. The US Secret Service has significantly increased its involvement in his security detail and will accompany the Israeli prime minister from the moment he lands until his return flight.

Netanyahu is scheduled to depart for New York on September 23 and return on September 25. His address to the UN General Assembly is scheduled for September 24.

Israeli diplomats have said they expect major protests against Netanyahu’s presence at the UN.

Mamdani had previously promised to arrest Netanyahu if he came to New York, although he acknowledged in July that, as mayor, he did not actually have the authority to do so.

In a September 2025 interview with The New York Times, Mamdani called Netanyahu "a war criminal who was committing a genocide in Gaza," and said he would have the prime minister arrested as soon as he landed in New York. He added that he "intended to fulfill" his promise.

By Sabina Mammadli