Hungary’s Orbán Defies ICC, Invites Netanyahu to Hungary Despite Arrest Warrant
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has openly defied the International Criminal Court (ICC), announcing his intention to invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Hungary despite an outstanding ICC arrest warrant, The Associated Press reports.
The warrant, issued Thursday, accuses Netanyahu, his former defense minister, and Hamas’ military chief of crimes against humanity related to the 13-month Gaza conflict.
Orbán, a staunch ally of Netanyahu, denounced the ICC’s decision as “outrageously impudent” and “cynical,” accusing the court of politically motivated interference in an ongoing conflict. He declared on state radio Friday that Hungary would disregard the warrant, stating, “We will defy this decision, and it will have no consequences for him.” Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó echoed these sentiments, calling the warrant “absurd.”
The ICC, based in The Hague, requires member states like Hungary to detain individuals subject to arrest warrants. However, the court lacks the power to enforce this requirement. Orbán’s defiance places Hungary in direct opposition to the ICC’s authority.
The ICC’s action has placed several of Israel’s allies in a difficult position. While Israel and the U.S. are not ICC members, other European countries, including France, have welcomed the court’s decision and indicated they might arrest Netanyahu should he visit. The White House expressed “deep concern” over the ICC’s process, citing “troubling process errors.”
Netanyahu, in a statement, praised Hungary’s stance, contrasting it with the “shameful weakness” of other nations. He lauded Hungary and the US for demonstrating “moral clarity and standing by justice and truth.”
The ICC’s warrant comes amidst the aftermath of Israel’s Gaza campaign, which has resulted in over 44,000 deaths according to local health authorities. The authorities note that more than half of the victims were women and children, but the figures don’t distinguish between combatants and civilians. Orbán’s decision to invite Netanyahu highlights the deep divisions surrounding the ICC’s actions and the ongoing conflict in Gaza
