Orbán Invites Netanyahu to Hungary, Vows to Ignore ICC Warrant, Dividing EU

Nov 22, 2024, 10:42 AM

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced on Friday that he would invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Hungary, stating that Budapest would not enforce the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrant against Netanyahu. Orbán criticized the ICC's decision as 'brazen', 'cynical', and 'completely unacceptable', and promised to guarantee Netanyahu's freedom and safety during his visit. This move makes Hungary the first ICC member country to publicly declare it will ignore the court's arrest warrant, causing divisions within the European Union. Orbán accused the ICC of 'interfering in an ongoing conflict for political purposes'. US President Joe Biden expressed his disapproval, reportedly saying he was 'scandalized' by Orbán's actions. Netanyahu thanked Orbán for his support.