Why Orban invites Netanyahu to Hungary, defying ICC warrant for his arrest | DW News

Key Concepts

• International Criminal Court (ICC): A court that investigates and tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.
• Arrest Warrant: A legal document issued by a judge or magistrate authorizing law enforcement officers to arrest a specific individual.
• Realpolitik: A system of politics or principles based on practical rather than moral or ideological considerations.
• Fidesz Party: Hungary's ruling political party, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
• TISZA Party: A challenging political party in Hungary, led by Péter Magyar.

Hungary's Potential Withdrawal from the ICC and Netanyahu's Visit

• Announcement: The Hungarian government announced its intention to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC).
• Timing: This announcement coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's arrival in Budapest for talks with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
• ICC Warrant: The ICC has issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu over alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza.
• First Trip: This is Netanyahu's first trip to Europe since the ICC issued the warrant.
• Defiance: By hosting Netanyahu, Hungary is seemingly defying the ICC arrest warrant.

Hungary's Stance on the ICC

• Previous Intentions: Hungary previously expressed intentions to withdraw from the ICC in 2023 when the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Russia's President Vladimir Putin.
• Process: The withdrawal process could take up to one year.
• Legal Obligation: During the withdrawal process, Hungary is still legally obliged to arrest individuals wanted by the ICC, including Netanyahu.
• Actions vs. Obligations: Despite the legal obligation, Netanyahu was welcomed with a military salute, indicating that Hungary does not intend to comply with the arrest warrant.

Orbán's Motives

• Small Country Influence: Orbán, as the leader of a relatively small country, is using the visit to project influence on the world stage.
• Message to Voter Base: The visit is also a message to his voter base in Hungary, especially with elections coming up in 2026.
• Fidesz Party Challenges: The Fidesz party has lost some ground in recent polls to the TISZA party led by Péter Magyar.
• Headline Creation: The meeting is expected to generate headlines worldwide, which Orbán can use to his advantage.
• "Hungarian Way": Orbán wants to promote a "Hungarian way" in international politics, even if it goes against the fundamental values of alliances and organizations that Hungary is part of.
• Defiance of Principles: This involves hosting someone wanted by the ICC for allegedly committing war crimes against humanity.

Conclusion

Hungary's announcement to withdraw from the ICC, coinciding with Netanyahu's visit, is a calculated move by Prime Minister Orbán. It serves multiple purposes: defying international norms, projecting influence, appealing to his domestic voter base, and promoting a distinct "Hungarian way" in international politics. Despite the legal obligations as a member of the ICC, Hungary's actions indicate a clear intention to disregard the arrest warrant for Netanyahu.