Netanyahu, Wing of Zion

Small crack found in Netanyahu's ‘Wing of Zion’ windshield; won't delay his US trip

Israel's new 'Air Force One' experiences windshield crack during inaugural flight; returns safely to Israel.

The official airplane of the Israeli Prime Minister “Knaf Zion” or “Wing of Zion” at Ben Gurion International Airport (Photo by Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)

A small crack was found on the cockpit windshield of Israel’s new "Air Force One," known as Wing of Zion, after its inaugural flight to the US earlier this week, according to Ynet.

This discovery is not expected to affect Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming flight to Washington next week, and the refurbished Boeing 767 has already returned to Israel.

Wing of Zion departed for the US on Tuesday, carrying equipment and security personnel in preparation for Netanyahu’s address to Congress. The Prime Minister’s Office recently discovered that the plane could accommodate only 60 passengers, significantly fewer than the expected number of aides, guards, and journalists, as reported by Kan.

The PMO told Ynet that the plane “landed safely in Washington with a small crack on the outside of the windshield. After a thorough inspection and receiving approval from the appropriate authorities, the plane returned to Israel without issue. This type of malfunction is common in planes and poses no risk. The issue has been addressed, and the plane will be fully prepared for its next flight.”

* The Times of Israel contributed to this report.

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