Viktor Orbán and Benjamin Netanyahu Discuss Controversial ICC Withdrawal Amid Political Crises
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently held a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump regarding Hungary's decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC). This decision was made following the ICC's issuance of an arrest warrant for Netanyahu. The confirmation came from the office of the Israeli prime minister, who indicated that the three leaders also discussed potential next steps concerning this matter.
Orbán seized the opportunity of Netanyahu's official visit to Hungary—where forces could theoretically have been mandated to arrest him—to announce this significant move. Orbán believes that the ICC has transformed into a political entity, particularly due to its recent rulings related to Israel and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The Hungarian government contends that the ICC, located in The Hague, lacks jurisdiction over Netanyahu, arguing that Israel is engaged in legitimate self-defense against assaults from Hamas, the Islamist group. Netanyahu is currently facing an arrest warrant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the military actions in the Gaza Strip. Prior to this controversial visit, Orbán had already expressed his intention not to comply with the ICC's directives.
Netanyahu's trip to Hungary marks his first visit to a nation that is a signatory of the Rome Statute, which established the ICC. Following discussions with Orbán, Netanyahu lauded the Hungarian leader for what he described as a brave decision to withdraw from the ICC.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu's situation in Israel is complicated by various political issues. He is embroiled in a significant conflict with the country's Supreme Court, which has recently halted the government’s effort to dismiss the head of Shin Bet, the internal intelligence service. Furthermore, the Israeli media are buzzing over a scandal dubbed "Catargate", involving allegations against two close advisors to Netanyahu for accepting funds to promote the interests of Qatar in Israel.
As Netanyahu continues to navigate these challenges, his relationship with Orbán and the United States seems to be a key focal point in his administration's strategy to mitigate the storm brewing both domestically and internationally.
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