Hungary’s PM Orban Invites Israel’s Netanyahu Amid ICC Arrest Warrant

Hungarian Prime Minister Invites Israeli Leader Amid International Arrest Warrant

Jakarta, CNN Indonesia – Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced that he will invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Hungary. This invitation comes despite Netanyahu being wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Orban stated that Hungary will ensure Netanyahu’s safety during his visit. He declared that Hungary will not enforce the ICC’s request to arrest Netanyahu, who is accused of war crimes in Gaza.

On November 22, Orban remarked, “I will invite Prime Minister Netanyahu to visit Hungary. I assure him that if he comes, the ICC’s decision will not apply in Hungary. We will not follow its content.”

The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on November 20, citing their involvement in aggression against Gaza, which has not ceased. The warrant accuses them of crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Orban criticized the ICC’s warrant, calling it a “wrong” decision, arguing that the court lacks the authority to judge Netanyahu regarding alleged genocide in Gaza.

Since Orban took office in 2010, Hungary and Israel have maintained a close political relationship. Following the ICC’s warrant, Netanyahu and Gallant now face arrest in all 124 member countries of the ICC, including Hungary.

According to the Rome Statute, all member countries must comply with ICC decisions. Legal experts emphasize that Hungary is obligated to arrest Netanyahu and Gallant if they enter the country.

This situation highlights the tension between international law and national decisions, particularly regarding leaders facing serious accusations.