Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of Hungary extended an invitation on Friday to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, assuring him safe passage despite the recent issuance of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant. The ICC announced charges on Thursday against Netanyahu, former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza conflict.
The ICC warrants have sparked sharp divisions across Europe, with EU member states—bound by their ICC commitments—grappling with how to respond. Nations including Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain confirmed they would enforce the warrants, with Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris stating unequivocally, “Netanyahu will be arrested if he sets foot in Ireland.”
In contrast, Orbán condemned the ICC decision as “brazen, cynical, and unacceptable.” He vowed Hungary would not comply, highlighting the nation’s close ties with Israel. “I will invite Prime Minister Netanyahu to Hungary and guarantee his safety. The ICC ruling will have no effect here,” Orbán declared.
Key EU powers Germany and France have yet to announce their stance, underscoring the diplomatic complexity of balancing international law with foreign policy considerations. Analysts warn the ICC decision could deepen divisions within the EU, particularly among nations that maintain strong support for Israel.
