Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu went to Hungary despite facing an arrest warrant. The Orban government withdrew support from the International Criminal Court responsible for issuing the warrant.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is setting foot on European soil for the first time since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against him, accusing him of committing war crimes in Gaza. Netanyahu embarked on a four-day official visit to Hungary at the invitation of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Just hours after the announcement of the arrest warrant back in November, Orban clearly stated that he would defy the court’s order to welcome Netanyahu. Orban assured journalists that the ICC’s decision would have “no impact in Hungary.” ANNOUNCEMENT FROM ORBAN’S GOVERNMENT

Hungary has been a signatory to the ICC since its establishment over twenty years ago and agreed to the condition of arresting and surrendering individuals subject to arrest warrants if they step foot in the country. However, recent reports suggested that sources within the Orban government were mulling over the possibility of withdrawing from the court.

Today, the Hungarian government announced its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court.

The announcement came shortly after Netanyahu, sought under the ICC’s arrest order, arrived in the country.

Hungary’s right-wing Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, invited his Israeli counterpart to Budapest back in November, barely a day after the ICC issued an arrest warrant, alleging war crimes in Gaza where Israel launched attacks following aggression from Hamas fighters. AIRPORT PROTESTS

Before beginning his visit to Hungary, Israelis protested against Netanyahu at the airport. Israeli army radio reported that the purpose of the protest at Ben Gurion Airport was “the release of Israeli prisoners.” It was mentioned that Israeli protesters at the airport displayed banners demanding “an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli prisoners.” Families of Israeli prisoners reacted with the question, “Has the decision been made to sacrifice the lives of hostages in exchange for taking control of Gaza?” in response to the Netanyahu government’s decision to resume attacks on Gaza.