Budapest, Nov 22 (IANS) — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban strongly criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday for issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Orban called the ICC’s actions "brazen, cynical, and completely unacceptable" and extended an invitation to Netanyahu for an official visit to Hungary, pledging his safety.
The ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber issued warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant over alleged "crimes against humanity" and war crimes related to civilian attacks in the State of Palestine between October 8, 2023, and May 20, 2024. The court cited "reasonable grounds" to hold both leaders responsible for directing attacks against civilians.
Orban, criticizing the ICC's decision, stated that Hungary will not honor the warrants and accused the court of political interference under the guise of legal authority. "I invited Prime Minister Netanyahu for an official visit to Hungary, where we will guarantee his freedom and safety, " Orban announced on social media, along with a video interview from Hungarian state radio.
He asserted that international institutions often lack prudence in their decisions and claimed the ICC’s move worsens global conflicts rather than reducing them. He added that Hungary would defy the ICC's decision, assuring Netanyahu that he could conduct diplomatic discussions safely within Hungarian borders.