Introduction
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Hungary for its support during his recent visit to Budapest, which marked a defiance of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant stemming from allegations of war crimes in Gaza.
Context
Invited by Hungary's right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Netanyahu's trip comes amid ongoing military operations in the Palestinian enclave following an attack by Hamas on southern Israel. Hungary has publicly rejected the ICC's warrant, labeling it "brazen," and announced its plans to withdraw from the court altogether.
Developments
Withdrawal from the ICC
- During a joint news conference with Netanyahu, Orban asserted that the ICC is no longer impartial and has become a political court, emphasizing that its actions against Israel underscored this shift.
- Orban had previously invited Netanyahu to Budapest shortly after the ICC issued the arrest warrant.
- Israel has staunchly denied the ICC's allegations, claiming they are politically motivated and fueled by antisemitism.
International Reaction
- The ICC defended its decision to pursue warrants against Israeli officials, stating that it adheres to its established legal framework.
- The Netherlands' Foreign Minister, Caspar Veldkamp, reiterated that Hungary remains obligated to fulfill its duties to the ICC until its withdrawal is finalized.
- The political climate among EU countries regarding the ICC warrant is divided, with some nations stating they will uphold their commitments while others, like Italy, have expressed legal uncertainties about the warrant's applicability to Netanyahu.
Conclusion
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant casualties, with reports indicating over 50,000 Palestinians killed and over 1,200 Israelis dead from the violence that erupted following Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023. This situation has ignited a backlash from groups like Hamas, which condemned Hungary's new stance on the ICC as a violation of international justice principles. Amid these tensions, Netanyahu's meeting with Orban reaffirms Hungary's role as a crucial ally for Israel in the EU, particularly concerning criticisms of Israeli military actions.