Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Wraps Up Visit to Hungary, Heads to US to Discuss Tariffs and Iran
Cooperation in Munitions Production Discussed During Visit
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left Budapest on Sunday to head to the US to talk tariffs and Iran with President Donald Trump after wrapping up a multi-day-visit to Hungary.
Netanyahu’s Visit to Hungary Amid ICC Arrest Warrant
Nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban hosted his long-standing Israeli ally in Hungary this week, despite an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant. Netanyahu’s visit came as Hungary announced its withdrawal from the tribunal.
Cooperation in Munitions Production Discussed
“I have just concluded a very important visit to Hungary,” Netanyahu said in a statement, adding that cooperation in the production of munitions among other issues was discussed. Netanyahu is headed straight to the US, where he is set to discuss tariffs, Iran and the ICC, among other thorny issues with US President Donald Trump on Monday.
Netanyahu’s Meeting with Orban and Trump
Both Orban and Netanyahu slammed the ICC at a joint press conference, with the Israeli premier expressing hope that Hungary “would not be the last state” to exit the “corrupt organisation”. The ICC last year issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu over allegations of crimes against humanity and war crimes – including starvation as a method of warfare – in Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza.
International Reaction
German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock criticised the decision, calling it a “bad day” for international criminal law. However, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said he didn’t think his country or any other European state would have arrested the Israeli leader.
Other Activities During the Visit
During his four-day visit, Netanyahu met Jewish community leaders, visited a Holocaust memorial on the bank of the Danube river and was awarded an honorary degree from a university. Hungarian police said on Saturday it had detained two Frenchmen on suspicion of hooliganism and vandalism after they allegedly tore down and damaged Israeli flags at the Szechenyi chain bridge.
Conclusion
Netanyahu’s visit to Hungary and his meeting with President Trump and Prime Minister Orban highlight the complex issues surrounding international relations, tariffs, and the ICC. As the world grapples with these challenges, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact global politics and international law.
FAQs
Q: What was the purpose of Netanyahu’s visit to Hungary?
A: Netanyahu visited Hungary to discuss various issues, including cooperation in munitions production, with Prime Minister Orban.
Q: Why was an ICC arrest warrant issued against Netanyahu?
A: The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu over allegations of crimes against humanity and war crimes – including starvation as a method of warfare – in Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza.
Q: What was the reaction of other countries to Hungary’s decision to exit the ICC?
A: German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock criticised the decision, calling it a “bad day” for international criminal law. However, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said he didn’t think his country or any other European state would have arrested the Israeli leader.