Canada Declines to Confirm Whether It Approved Netanyahu’s Flight Through Canadian Airspace

Israeli officials have confirmed they requested permission from the Canadian government for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s aircraft to pass through Canadian airspace during his recent trip to Washington, but Canadian authorities have declined to say whether that approval was granted.

The flight, operated by Israel’s official government aircraft known as the Wing of Zion, travelled over parts of eastern Canada, including Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, while carrying Netanyahu to the United States. The visit included meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump and attendance at the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham.

The flight has drawn attention because Netanyahu remains the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in November 2024. The warrant alleges war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the conflict in Gaza. Israel rejects the allegations and does not recognise the court’s jurisdiction.

An Israeli government spokesperson confirmed that permission to enter Canadian airspace was requested before the flight but did not clarify whether Canada formally approved the request.

The Office of Prime Minister Mark Carney also declined to provide a direct answer. Instead, officials stated that Canada’s current policy does not generally link overflight permissions to law enforcement matters unless there is an immediate security concern. The government added that the policy is reviewed regularly.

Canadian officials reiterated the country’s position that Israel should comply with international law, uphold ceasefire commitments, allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, and respect Lebanon’s territorial integrity.

Global Affairs Canada also reaffirmed that Canada remains committed to its obligations under international law as a state party to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the International Criminal Court. However, the department would not comment on whether permission was granted for Netanyahu’s aircraft to use Canadian airspace, saying it does not discuss the routes selected by foreign governments.

The issue has prompted debate among legal experts over Canada’s responsibilities under international law. Some argue that a country’s airspace forms part of its sovereign territory, meaning any foreign government aircraft must receive permission before entering it. They contend that allowing a flight carrying an individual wanted by the International Criminal Court could raise legal and diplomatic questions.

Experts also note that Canadian regulations require foreign state aircraft to request clearance at least 72 hours before entering Canadian airspace, making advance coordination with Ottawa a standard procedure.

Netanyahu’s latest journey was not the first time his aircraft crossed Canadian territory. Similar flights over eastern Canada took place in late 2025 and earlier this year, while an earlier trip to the United States followed a much longer route over international waters, apparently avoiding the airspace of several countries.

The Canadian government has repeatedly stated that it respects international judicial institutions and has previously indicated it would meet its obligations under the Rome Statute if circumstances required. However, officials have remained silent on whether those commitments affect decisions involving aircraft merely passing through Canadian airspace.

The latest overflight has renewed discussion about the balance between diplomatic practice, national sovereignty and Canada’s international legal obligations. With Ottawa refusing to confirm whether clearance was granted, questions surrounding the handling of the Israeli leader’s flight remain unanswered, keeping the issue at the centre of legal and political debate.

Courtesy: CBC