The Switzerland announced on Saturday that it had rejected two requests from the United States to fly military aircraft over its territory in connection with the war in the Middle East. The Swiss government explained that it had strictly applied the principle of neutrality that has guided its foreign policy for over two centuries.
In an official statement, Swiss authorities indicated that Washington had submitted several overflight requests, including for military aircraft. After examining all the requests, Bern decided to reject two requests related to the war between the United States and Israel against Iran. The authorities clarified that these requests each concerned a reconnaissance aircraft whose passage through Swiss airspace was scheduled for March 15.
The Swiss government emphasized that in a context of armed conflict, international law neutrality imposes certain restrictions. According to Bern, this legal framework prohibits overflights by parties involved in a conflict when they are intended for military operations directly related to hostilities. The authorities therefore believed that the American requests could not be accepted without compromising the country’s neutrality.
However, Switzerland specified that some flights may be authorized under specific circumstances. Overflights for humanitarian or medical purposes, including the transport of wounded, remain permitted. Similarly, flights unrelated to the conflict can be authorized, as was the case for a maintenance flight approved by Swiss authorities.
Since 1815, Switzerland has been recognized by the international community as a neutral state. This neutrality, described as permanent, armed, and freely chosen, is one of the pillars of the country’s foreign policy and continues to guide its decisions in the face of international crises.
[Context: The Swiss government rejected US requests to fly military aircraft over its territory in connection with the war in the Middle East. The decision was based on the principle of neutrality that has guided Swiss foreign policy for over two centuries. Fact Check: According to international law, neutrality imposes restrictions on overflights by parties involved in a conflict directly related to hostilities.]
