Netanyahu to Visit Hungary as PM Orbán Rejects ICC Arrest Warrant
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is expected to visit Hungary in the coming weeks, following an invitation from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The visit comes amid an ongoing controversy surrounding the International Criminal Court (ICC), which issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu in May 2024. Hungary, a member of the ICC, has made it clear that it does not recognize the court’s authority in this matter and has no intention of acting on the warrant.
The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, alleging that they bear responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity during the ongoing war between Israel and the Hamas terror organization. The accusations include the use of starvation as a weapon of war and the intentional targeting of civilians. Israel has strongly rejected these allegations, calling them politically motivated and an unjust attack against the Jewish state, which is engaged in a defensive war following Hamas’s brutal assault on Israeli civilians.
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has been an outspoken critic of the ICC’s decision, labeling it as interference in the affairs of a democratic state fighting terrorism. Hungary has consistently maintained close ties with Israel under Orbán’s leadership, supporting the Jewish state in international forums and resisting European Union measures that seek to isolate Israel diplomatically. The Hungarian government has also argued that the ICC’s actions undermine Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas, which openly seeks its destruction.
This visit will serve as a demonstration of the warm relationship between the two leaders. Netanyahu and Orbán have long shared a mutual appreciation, particularly regarding their respective nationalist policies and their resistance to globalist pressures. Orbán has praised Netanyahu as a defender of his people and has criticized international efforts to dictate policy to sovereign nations. The visit is expected to include discussions on economic cooperation, regional security, and diplomatic coordination.
The ICC’s warrant has sparked significant international debate. Some European nations, such as France, have stated they would act in accordance with the court’s directives, which could theoretically result in Netanyahu’s arrest if he were to enter their territory. However, several other countries have taken a more cautious approach, avoiding any definitive statements on the matter. The United States has condemned the ICC’s decision, with officials emphasizing that Israel is a democracy engaged in a legitimate war against terrorism and that the ICC’s involvement sets a dangerous precedent.