Hungary defies ICC: "Welcome to Hungary, Prime Minister! [Netanyahu]"
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, an ally and friend of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, flew to Budapest on Thursday. Hungary had long announced that it would not arrest Netanyahu, who is being pursued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). On top of that, it announced its intention to leave the court on Thursday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Budapest on Thursday, meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. "Prime Minister @netanyahu in Budapest, the safest place in Europe. Welcome to Hungary, Prime Minister!" – wrote the Hungarian prime minister after welcoming the Israeli guest.
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 declared 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, Israel 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). The 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 would leave the Court. Hungary, a party to the Rome Statute, should theoretically enforce ICC mandates, but the government has deemed the Statute unconstitutional.
European Commission spokeswoman Anitta Hipper admitted that 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.
