Hungary to host Netanyahu despite ICC arrest warrant

Hungary is rolling out the red carpet for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, ignoring an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor has slammed Budapest’s decision, calling it a flagrant violation of international law. The Geneva-based group reminded Hungary that, as a signatory to the Rome Statute, it is “legally bound to cooperate fully” with the ICC’s warrants.

Viktor Orban’s refusal to act, it said, amounts to a “serious breach” of Hungary’s obligations. In a rebuke, it accused Hungary of giving safe haven to a fugitive wanted for war crimes and crimes against humanity. “This is not diplomatic neutrality. It is active complicity,” it warned.

Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant are both wanted by the ICC for alleged war crimes in Gaza, including depriving civilians of food, water, and medical aid.