Netanyahu has nowhere to fly: Wing of Zion remains on the ground - but continues to cost millions
The international arrest warrant has dramatically reduced Benjamin Netanyahu's travel destinations, and the Wing of Zion plane spends long weeks in training and inspections. Operating costs have totaled about 60 million shekels over three years, but the Prime Minister's Office insists it remains a strategic asset ensuring immediate operational capability.
What does the head of state's plane do in Israel while Benjamin Netanyahu is restricted from flying to most of the world due to an international arrest warrant? A stranger looking at the schedule of the Prime Minister's plane, Wing of Zion, for June, July, and August would likely conclude it is a "white elephant." The plane barely moves, except for training flights.
In the August schedule, for example, eight days are dedicated to "activity reduction," a euphemism for downtime. Two days are set aside for a "squadron trip," and two others for day and night flights. In June, President Isaac Herzog used Wing of Zion for a state visit to Romania, and on June 30, the plane was transferred to Nevatim for training. July saw at least 16 days dedicated to "pre-inspection," and on July 7, the plane flew to Sofia for a night flight defined as "AT training." Stewards remain on call for every potential flight.
Tomorrow, Netanyahu is scheduled to fly on Wing of Zion to Washington to attend the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham and meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. Beyond this, the Prime Minister has few places to travel. While Viktor Orban's Hungary previously agreed to receive him, the government of Peter Magyar has announced it would respect the arrest warrant. A planned visit to India did not materialize, and an invitation from Argentine President Javier Milei remains pending.
In October and November, the plane will be grounded for maintenance, including "space renovation and election-related repairs." Perhaps the project managers anticipated less demand during the election period, when the President’s travel will shift to commercial flights.
Wing of Zion is supported by a full infrastructure, including catering, ground crews, and at least seven to eight full-time stewards who must be available at all times. Supporters of the project argue that the plane holds supreme strategic importance, noting that Netanyahu authorized the elimination of Hassan Nasrallah via a secure phone on board during a flight to the U.S.
Sources involved in the project emphasize that Israel Aerospace Industries maintains the plane under a decade-old tender. "On the contrary, when the plane is inactive, it costs the taxpayer less," they claim. "Fixed payments are relatively low, and prices are tied to flight hours. Furthermore, the less it flies, the longer its lifespan."
The Prime Minister's Office responded:
"Wing of Zion is a strategic asset of the State of Israel, used by heads of state to ensure functional continuity. The plane's vitality has been proven in practice, especially during the war. This is not a renovation, but rather checks and maintenance work carried out in accordance with manufacturer instructions and Civil Aviation Authority requirements. All personnel undergo ongoing training to ensure the plane is ready for operation at any time."
The construction cost of Wing of Zion totaled 364.91 million shekels. Operating costs from 2023 to 2025 reached 60 million shekels. In 2025, operating costs decreased by nearly 50% compared to 2024, likely due to the Prime Minister's reduced travel schedule.
