JetBlue Becomes First US Airline to Fly to Israel via Palestinian Territories
History of JetBlue
JetBlue Airways is a low-cost airline headquartered in New York City. It is the sixth-largest airline in the United States by revenue and passengers carried. JetBlue operates flights to over 100 destinations in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America. The airline has a fleet of over 250 aircraft, including Airbus A320s, A321s, and Embraer E190s.
JetBlue's New Route
On November 7, 2023, JetBlue announced that it would launch a new route between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), with a stop in Amman, Jordan. The new route is scheduled to begin on May 29, 2024. JetBlue will be the first US airline to fly to Israel via the Palestinian territories.
Political Implications
The new route has been met with mixed reactions. Some have praised JetBlue for its decision to fly to Israel via the Palestinian territories, arguing that it will help to promote peace and economic development in the region. Others have criticized the decision, arguing that it will legitimize the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories.
Israeli Perspective
The Israeli government has welcomed JetBlue's decision to fly to Israel via the Palestinian territories. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the new route would "help to strengthen the ties between Israel and the United States." The Israeli Ministry of Tourism said that the new route would "boost tourism to Israel." The Israeli Airport Authority said that the new route would "increase competition and lower airfares."
Palestinian Perspective
The Palestinian government has criticized JetBlue's decision to fly to Israel via the Palestinian territories. The Palestinian Authority said that the new route would "legitimize the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories." The Palestinian Liberation Organization said that the new route would "harm the Palestinian economy." The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics said that the new route would "increase the number of Israeli tourists visiting the Palestinian territories."
US Perspective
The US government has not officially commented on JetBlue's decision to fly to Israel via the Palestinian territories. However, the US State Department has said that it "respects the right of airlines to make their own decisions about where to fly." The US Embassy in Israel has said that it "welcomes the new route." The US Consulate General in Jerusalem has said that it "will monitor the situation closely."
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