Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit Hungary on April 2, his office confirmed on Sunday, despite the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing an arrest warrant against him over alleged war crimes in Gaza.
During his visit, Netanyahu is expected to meet with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and other senior officials to discuss bilateral relations and regional matters. His trip will last until April 6 before he returns to Israel.
Netanyahu’s decision to travel despite the ICC warrant underscores his confidence in the support of Hungary, a close ally of Israel. Orban has previously criticized the ICC and voiced support for Israel’s stance on the Gaza conflict. Hungary, as a member of the ICC, is technically obliged to enforce its rulings, but given its political alignment with Netanyahu, an arrest is highly unlikely.
The ICC announced warrants for Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in May, citing alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the ongoing Gaza conflict. The court also issued warrants for Hamas leaders, accusing them of atrocities committed during the October 7 attack on Israel.
Netanyahu has dismissed the ICC’s decision as politically motivated, vowing to continue defending Israel’s security interests. His visit to Hungary highlights the ongoing geopolitical divide over the Gaza war and the challenges of enforcing international legal rulings.
The trip is expected to further cement Israel-Hungary ties, with discussions likely covering security cooperation, trade, and diplomatic efforts to counter international pressure on Israel.
