Netanyahu's plane moved out of Israel for fear of bombing: Details from Wing Zion
Israeli media sources reported today that security authorities have decided to move Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's private plane, known as "Zion Wing," out of Israeli airspace. This measure was taken as a precaution against the possibility of the plane being targeted or bombed amid escalating security tensions in the region.
According to Al Arabiya and Hebrew media outlets, global air traffic tracking websites, such as Flightradar24, detected the official government plane taking off from its base in Israel and heading to an unspecified destination. This is a procedure that is usually carried out when there are serious intelligence warnings or expectations of missile attacks that may target air bases and strategic airports.
Background on the "Wing of Zion" aircraft
The Wing of Zion is the Israeli version of the American presidential aircraft, Air Force One. It is a Boeing 767-338ER, purchased and specially equipped to transport the Prime Minister and the President on official trips. The project to equip this aircraft took several years, during which it was fitted with advanced missile defense systems, as well as encrypted communication systems that allow for the management of state affairs and even military operations from the air.
The aircraft project sparked widespread controversy within Israel due to its exorbitant cost, estimated at hundreds of millions of shekels. The aircraft remained grounded at the Nevatim Airbase for an extended period before officially entering service. Its deployment today underscores the seriousness of the threats perceived by Israeli security agencies.
Security context and regional tensions
The decision to move the aircraft away from Israeli bases comes at a time when Israel is on high alert, anticipating potential military responses from Iran or its proxies in the region. The Israeli military is considering scenarios that include attacks on critical infrastructure, including military and civilian airports, using ballistic missiles or suicide drones.
Protecting strategic assets, such as government aircraft, is part of emergency protocols designed to ensure continuity of government and keep state symbols out of immediate danger. This measure reflects growing concern about the ability of precision weapons in the hands of adversaries to penetrate air defenses and reach sensitive targets deep inside Israel.
It should be noted that this is not the first time that exceptional measures have been taken to protect this aircraft, but removing it from the country entirely indicates a high level of expected threat, casting a shadow over the political and security landscape of the entire region.
