The Israeli government says it requested permission from Canada for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s aircraft to fly through Canadian airspace during his trip to Washington, D.C., but Ottawa is refusing to say whether that permission was granted.
Netanyahu’s official aircraft, the Wing of Zion, crossed over Newfoundland and Nova Scotia en route to meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump and to attend the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham. It marks the third time Netanyahu has flown through Canadian airspace since becoming the subject of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant in 2024.
The ICC accuses Netanyahu of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Canada, as a signatory to the Rome Statute, has previously stated it is obligated to comply with ICC warrants, with both Prime Minister Mark Carney and former prime minister Justin Trudeau saying Netanyahu would be arrested if he entered Canadian territory.
The Prime Minister’s Office declined to confirm whether overflight permission was approved, stating only that Canada’s overflight policy is not currently tied to law enforcement objectives unless there is an imminent security risk. Global Affairs Canada reiterated that Canada remains committed to international law but would not comment on the flight route chosen by a foreign government.
International law experts argue that Canadian airspace is sovereign territory, meaning foreign state aircraft require prior authorization before entering it. Canadian regulations require foreign government aircraft to seek permission at least 72 hours before entering Canadian airspace.
Professor Mark Kersten, an expert in international law, said allowing the overflight could undermine both Canadian sovereignty and Canada’s commitment to the ICC. He noted that Netanyahu’s previous trips to the United States initially avoided Canadian airspace before later flights crossed eastern Canada.
It remains unclear whether Canada granted permission for the overflight or whether Israel proceeded without authorization, as neither government has confirmed the approval status.
