Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently traversed Canadian airspace during his journey to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump. This marks a significant moment, especially considering the arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s Flight Path through Canada
On Tuesday, Netanyahu’s official government aircraft flew hundreds of kilometers through Canadian airspace. The flight entered through Newfoundland and passed over Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick before entering U.S. airspace in Maine. This was not his first crossing of Canadian territory; two months earlier, he flew the same route on December 29, on his way to Florida to meet Trump at his Mar-A-Lago residence.
Canadian Government Protocol
- Foreign government flights must request permission before entering Canadian airspace.
- Applications should be submitted a minimum of 72 hours prior to the flight.
Global Affairs Canada spokesperson, Samantha Lafleur, stated that the department does not disclose routes for security reasons. CBC News has sought clarification on whether the Israeli government sought permission for Netanyahu’s latest flight, but no response was received at the time of publication.
Flight History and Arrest Risks
Netanyahu has flown to the U.S. seven times since Trump’s second inauguration. Initially, his flights exhibited patterns indicating a reluctance to risk arrest. In September 2025, for instance, his aircraft took numerous detours to avoid certain countries’ airspace, including Spain, which has been critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza and promised to enforce ICC warrants against him.
In contrast, Netanyahu’s recent flights have become increasingly direct. His journey to Washington on Tuesday followed a Great Circle route, the shortest path from Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. This indicates a shift in Netanyahu’s flight strategy, notably avoiding Spain and Slovenia, which have expressed opposition to his actions.
Summary of Key Details
| Date | Flight Purpose | Airspace Crossed | Previous Routes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | Meeting with Trump | Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick | Christmas flight to Florida |
| October 2025 | N/A | Detours to avoid Spain and other countries | Earlier reluctance for direct flights |
This latest journey underscores not only Netanyahu’s ongoing diplomatic engagements but also highlights the complexities of his international travel amid legal challenges. As he navigates these obstacles, his flight patterns reflect a newfound boldness in crossing territories previously avoided.
