Netanyahu Arrives in Hungary, Defying ICC Arrest Warrant

The invitation from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban came a day after the ICC issued the warrant in March 2023, over allegations of war crimes linked to Israel's military actions in Gaza. Orban, who has been a long-time ally of Netanyahu, has made it clear that Hungary will not enforce the warrant, despite being a member of the ICC. He argued that the court’s decision interferes in an ongoing conflict and serves political purposes.

Upon arrival, Netanyahu was welcomed with military honours at Budapest’s airport, where Hungarian Defence Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky posted a welcoming message on social media. Netanyahu is set to hold talks with Orban, with a joint press conference scheduled for later in the day.

Political Motivation and ICC Defiance

Netanyahu’s visit comes amid growing pressure at home and internationally over his government’s actions, including controversial judicial reforms and ongoing probes into alleged corruption. Experts suggest that Netanyahu's trip to Hungary, a country where he faces no risk of arrest, may be part of his effort to undermine the impact of the ICC’s arrest warrant and normalize future travel.

International strategic consultant Moshe Klughaft explained that Netanyahu is focusing on countries where he can travel without fear of arrest, potentially paving the way for broader international travel despite the ICC warrant. The Hungary trip also aligns with U.S. sanctions against the ICC, which were imposed by former President Donald Trump in 2020, accusing the court of targeting Israel unjustly.

Hungary’s Stance on the ICC

Although Hungary is a member of the ICC, it has not fully implemented the treaty’s provisions, which include executing arrest warrants. Hungary has even suggested that it might leave the ICC, citing constitutional concerns. The ICC maintains that Hungary has a "legal obligation" to enforce the court's decisions, but Hungary has repeatedly defied such calls.

Allegations and Ongoing Tensions

The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged crimes against humanity during the 2023 war with Hamas. The war was triggered by an attack on Israel by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023, and the ICC’s charges include allegations of using starvation as a weapon of war.

During his visit, Netanyahu is expected to discuss, with Orban, proposals related to relocating Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring countries, a plan supported by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

As Netanyahu navigates increasing domestic and international pressure, including protests against his judicial overhaul and investigations into corruption, his visit to Hungary provides him with an opportunity to steer the public discourse and assert his political agenda.

This visit follows a pattern where leaders, such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, have defied ICC warrants and traveled to countries without facing immediate repercussions, highlighting the challenges the ICC faces in enforcing its orders.