Fri Nov 22 21:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Hungary Defies ICC, Invites Netanyahu Despite Arrest Warrant
**Budapest, Hungary** – Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has openly defied the International Criminal Court (ICC) by inviting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Hungary, despite an ICC arrest warrant for the latter. The warrant, issued Thursday, accuses Netanyahu and others of crimes against humanity related to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Orbán, a staunch Netanyahu ally, denounced the ICC’s decision as “outrageously impudent” and politically motivated interference. He stated that Hungary would disregard the warrant, should Netanyahu accept the invitation. This stance puts Hungary in direct opposition to several other ICC member states, including France, who have indicated they would arrest Netanyahu if he entered their territory.
The ICC warrant alleges that Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant employed starvation as a method of warfare and intentionally targeted civilians. These accusations are vehemently denied by Israeli officials. The death toll from the Gaza conflict has surpassed 44,000, according to local health authorities.
The White House expressed deep concern over the ICC’s actions, citing a rushed process and troubling errors. Israel, along with the United States, is not an ICC member. However, the warrant places several of Israel’s European allies in a difficult position.
Netanyahu praised Hungary’s defiance, contrasting it with the “shameful weakness” of other nations who supported the ICC’s decision. The situation highlights the deep divisions surrounding the conflict and the ICC’s authority.
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