Netanyahu arrives in Hungary for talks despite ICC arrest warrant

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Hungary early on Thursday, Israeli media reported.

This is Netanyahu’s first trip to Europe since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against him. His return to Israel is planned for Sunday.

The ICC last November accused the Israeli leader of crimes against humanity and war crimes during the Gaza war.

Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orbán, according to Netanyahu’s office.

Orbán extended the invitation to Netanyahu shortly after the arrest warrant was issued, making it clear that the Israeli prime minister would not face arrest by Hungarian authorities.

Although Hungary has ratified the relevant ICC statute, it does not consider itself bound by its provisions.

Contrary to usual practice in Israel, no details about the visit were disclosed in advance. The Hungarian prime minister’s press office also declined to comment when asked. Observers attribute the secrecy to the sensitive nature of the visit, given the arrest warrant against Netanyahu.

According to Israeli media reports, Netanyahu will meet with Orbán and Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok on Thursday.