Netanyahu to shorten New York UN trip amid new security measures

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to shorten his upcoming visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, with plans to spend only a few hours in the city to deliver his speech before returning to Israel. According to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Netanyahu's plane, known as the 'Wing of Zion,' may land in New Jersey instead of John F. Kennedy Airport.

The newspaper reported that arrangements for the visit include the possibility of landing at Newark Airport or a military base in New Jersey, due to coordination challenges with US authorities and concerns that the plane may not be allowed to remain at a New York airport during Netanyahu's stay.

Under the revised schedule, Netanyahu will not spend the night in New York, limiting his presence to a brief period for his speech at the General Assembly before returning to Israel. Yedioth Ahronoth noted that the shortened visit comes amid concerns over expected protests during his time in the city.

The updated itinerary also includes the cancellation of a planned stop in Texas to meet American businessman Elon Musk, which was previously part of the trip, according to Israeli reports.

These arrangements come amid ongoing tensions between Netanyahu and the mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani, who previously stated he does not have the legal authority to arrest the Israeli prime minister. US security agencies and local authorities are preparing to secure the visit amid anticipated protests in the city.

Yedioth Ahronoth had earlier reported that the 'Wing of Zion' would not land at John F. Kennedy Airport during the visit, with expectations that it will arrive at Newark Airport or a military airport in New Jersey.