Despite ICC Arrest Warrant, Netanyahu’s Plane Uses Greek, Italian, and French Airspace on US Trip

The Chronify

February 11, 2026

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing a 2024 ICC arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Gaza, reportedly flew through the airspace of Greece, Italy, and France en route to the United States, raising questions about enforcement of international law by allied countries.

International Desk, February 10, 2026 – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plane reportedly traversed the airspace of Greece, Italy, and France during his recent trip to the United States, despite an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued against him for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Flight radar data confirmed the route, according to Al Jazeera.

The ICC issued the arrest warrant for Netanyahu on 21 November 2024, citing responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Member states of the ICC, which was established under the Rome Statute in 1998, are obligated to enforce such warrants. Over 120 countries, including Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Jordan, Belgium, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Norway, have pledged to act on ICC warrants.

However, the United States, France, Greece, and Italy—close allies of Israel—have so far shown reluctance or refusal to enforce the court’s decision. Netanyahu’s recent flight landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Tuesday evening local time, ahead of meetings in Washington with US officials, including President Donald Trump, focusing on the ongoing Iran-US nuclear negotiations.

Speaking at the airport before departure, Netanyahu emphasized that the discussions would convey Israel’s position on ensuring Iran’s full denuclearization and limiting its regional influence. He claimed his policies aim to secure peace and security not only for Israel but for the region as a whole.

Meanwhile, Iran’s top national security official, Ali Larijani, warned the United States to resist pressure from Netanyahu, urging US policymakers to remain cautious of the Israeli leader’s “destructive” influence.

The flight’s use of European airspace despite the ICC warrant underscores ongoing tensions in enforcing international legal mechanisms when powerful allied nations are involved, highlighting the limits of global judicial authority in politically sensitive situations.