Israeli Prime Minister arrives in Hungary for talks with Orbán despite ICC arrest warrant
Photo: Benjamin Netanyahu and Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Hungary on Thursday, April 3. The visit took place despite an arrest warrant issued against Netanyahu by the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Hungarian Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky reports.
The Hungarian defense minister welcomed Benjamin Netanyahu at Budapest Airport. The Israeli Prime Minister was accompanied by his wife, Sara.
During his visit, Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Earlier, Hungary ratified the ICC's Rome Statute and is therefore obligated to comply with its decisions. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. They are suspected of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during the conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
However, Hungary has refused to enforce the ICC warrant. Orbán expressed support for Netanyahu when the warrant was issued and invited him to Budapest.
Recently, the Hungarian edition of Radio Free Europe reported, citing Hungarian Justice Minister Bence Tuzson, that Hungary intends to withdraw from the International Criminal Court.
The decision must first be approved by the country’s parliament and government. The process of leaving the ICC could take about a year.
