Orban claims Hungary ‘safest’ country for Jews, defends ICC withdrawal in Netanyahu meeting

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Thursday claimed that Hungary is the safest country in Europe for Jews and vowed that no form of antisemitism would be tolerated. He also defended Hungary’s decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) and expressed full support for Israel, whose leader Benjamin Netanyahu, is wanted under an ICC arrest warrant.

“Hungary, in years past, has been an island of freedom in Europe, and we have been banner bearers of Judeo-Christian civilization,” Orban said.

At a joint news conference with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Orban criticized the court as a “political” institution.

“It’s political, and it is not unbiased, and this was clearly shown—mostly shown—by the decisions related to Israel,” he said.

Netanyahu’s firts visit to Europe amid ICC arrest warrant

Netanyahu’s visit to Hungary marks his first trip to Europe since the ICC issued an arrest warrant for him last November over allegations of war crimes in Gaza.

The Hungarian leader also argued that antisemitism is rising in Europe and accused migrants of contributing to the trend.

He emphasized the importance of bilateral ties with Israel and praised growing cooperation in defense, economic affairs, culture, and tourism.

Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, called on Hungary to arrest Netanyahu and surrender him to the ICC.

The ICC issued arrest warrants in November for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its military actions in Gaza, where more than 50,000 people have been killed since the war began in October 2023.