Ynet: Netanyahu’s flight route changed over fears of Iranian retaliation

Israeli authorities changed the departure arrangements for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent trip to Washington amid concerns that Iran could target senior Israeli officials, Israeli media reported on July 29.

According to Ynet, Israel’s Shin Bet security agency has increased security measures around several current and former ministers, as well as other senior officials, following warnings that Iran may be preparing assassination attempts in response to the killing of members of its leadership.

The security service reportedly advised officials to alter their daily routines and take additional precautions due to the heightened threat environment.

The report said the security concerns led to changes in the departure arrangements for Netanyahu’s “Wing of Zion” aircraft, which flew him to Washington on July 27.

Instead of departing from Ben Gurion Airport, the aircraft reportedly took off from the Israeli Air Force’s Nevatim airbase.

Details of the flight’s departure time and location were kept confidential, with staff at the prime minister’s office instructed to maintain strict secrecy.

By Aghakazim Guliyev