Hungary defies ICC: Welcomes Netanyahu amid arrest warrant
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a close ally and friend of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, flew to Budapest on Thursday. Hungary had previously announced that it would not arrest Netanyahu, who is pursued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). On Thursday, it declared its intention to leave the court.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Budapest on Thursday, where he met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Hungary’s prime minister described Budapest as "the safest place in Europe" after welcoming Prime Minister Netanyahu.
The visit is taking place despite the arrest warrant issued against Netanyahu by the International Criminal Court for war actions in the Gaza Strip. Hungary, which has long stated that it would not detain the Israeli prime minister, also announced its intention to leave the ICC.
Hungary - A safe haven for Netanyahu
For years, Hungary has demonstrated close relations with Israel. Orban has repeatedly referred to Hungary as the safest place for the Jewish community in Europe. After the outbreak of the conflict with Hamas, it has become an advocate for Israel in the European Union.
Hungarian police banned pro-Palestinian demonstrations, and in Felcsút, Orban's hometown, Euro 2024 qualifying matches with Israel took place.
Additionally, Hungary and Israel cooperate in the military field. Hungary purchased from Israel, among other things, ELTA ELM-2084 multi-mission radars, capable of detecting and tracking aerial and artillery targets. Media also speculate about the possible relocation of the Hungarian embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which is expected to be a topic of discussion between Orban and Netanyahu.
Netanyahu in Budapest
Inviting Netanyahu to Budapest was an expression of opposition to the ICC decision. On the day of his arrival, the head of the Hungarian prime minister's office, Gergely Gulyas, announced that the country will leave the Court. Hungary, being a party to the Rome Statute, should theoretically enforce ICC mandates, but the government has declared the Statute unconstitutional.
European Commission spokeswoman Anitta Hipper admitted that the process of Hungary's withdrawal from the ICC could take a year, and until then, the country is obliged to comply with the court's decisions.
Netanyahu's visit to Hungary will last until Sunday.
