Orbán defies international arrest warrant for Netanyahu
The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Israeli and Palestinian politicians, including the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Viktor Orbán has reacted to the ICC's decision. The Hungarian Prime Minister announced that he would invite Netanyahu, defying the warrant and ignoring the international directive.
The International Criminal Court in The Hague has issued an international arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas commander Mohammed Deif.
Israeli and Palestinian politicians are accused of war crimes against humanity. This concerns the war in the Gaza Strip and the Hamas attack on Israel, which took place on 7 October 2023.
Representatives of Netanyahu's administration announced that the warrant is based on "false and absurd allegations." Ruling Israeli politicians call the ICC's decision "anti-Semitic."
ICC issues warrant. It's known what Orbán will do
In theory, countries recognising the International Criminal Court in The Hague should abide by its decision. In practice, world politicians have varied responses to this.
Viktor Orbán has already announced that he will not comply with the ICC's decision. According to the AFP agency, the Hungarian Prime Minister announced on Friday (22 November) that he would invite Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Budapest. He also guaranteed his safety.
Today, I intend to invite the Prime Minister of Israel, Mr. Netanyahu, to visit Hungary. I will guarantee his safety. The International Criminal Court's verdict does not affect Hungary's decisions, and we will not comply with its provisions - Orbán said in an interview with state radio.
Let us add that Hungary currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union.
