Netanyahu’s visit to Hungary amid ICC warrant: A strategic alliance strengthened

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Budapest on Thursday, welcomed by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, despite an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against him. This visit underscores Hungary’s enduring alliance with Israel, which has grown even stronger since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023.

Hungary has positioned itself as one of Israel’s staunchest allies within the European Union, consistently backing Israel’s military actions as self-defense. Orbán, who has promoted Hungary as "the safest country in Europe" for Jews, became the first leader to officially invite Netanyahu following the ICC’s legal action.

A Deepening Partnership

Hungary has demonstrated unwavering support for Israel in multiple ways, including hosting matches for Israeli football teams amid rising anti-Israeli sentiment in Europe. The Hungarian government has also cited anti-Semitic incidents in the West to justify its strict anti-migration policies and its ban on pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

Netanyahu’s last official visit to Hungary was in 2017, marking the first trip by an Israeli leader to the country in nearly three decades. In return, Netanyahu hosted Orbán in Jerusalem the following year, praising him as a "true friend of Israel." Their political and ideological alignment—rooted in nationalist policies and strong ties to former U.S. President Donald Trump—has fostered a close personal relationship, with Hungarian media referring to them as "spiritual brothers."

A Strategic Move for Orbán

Orbán’s meeting with Netanyahu comes at a crucial time for Hungary’s domestic politics. Facing increasing challenges from opposition figures like Peter Magyar, Orbán seeks to reinforce his image as a global statesman. Analysts suggest that hosting Netanyahu allows him to shift public attention away from economic struggles such as inflation and healthcare issues.

Orbán has often been accused of democratic backsliding and aligning with controversial figures, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is also wanted by the ICC. However, he maintains that Hungary has "zero tolerance" for anti-Semitism, pointing to government investments in Holocaust education and Jewish heritage preservation.

Netanyahu’s visit is expected to further solidify Israel-Hungary ties, serving both leaders’ political interests on the international stage.