Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took off for Washington, DC, in rather curious circumstances, many of which are reportedly the result of heightened security measures due to a potential Iranian attack.
Netanyahu took off from Nevatim Air Base in the Negev, not from Ben Gurion Airport. Additionally, he did not publicize the time of his takeoff beforehand.
According to Channel 12, the move to a military base was a security consideration taken in light of a potential threat from Iran. Netanyahu’s cabinet meeting yesterday was moved from his office to an undisclosed underground location for that reason.
The premier’s office is also not allowing Israel’s diplomatic media pool to travel with Netanyahu on the taxpayer-funded Wing of Zion plane. No explanation has been given for that move, though this is not the first time that the Prime Minister’s Office has forced reporters to find their own way to the US, and his relationship with the press has long been cold.
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From the Liveblog of
Monday, July 27, 2026
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